The United States has imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila, accusing him of supporting Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and their political-military wing, the Congo River Alliance (AFC).
The US Treasury Department said Kabila had allegedly provided financial and technological support aimed at destabilising the government in Kinshasa and was also attempting to regain political influence by backing opposition figures. It added that his actions were undermining ongoing peace efforts in the conflict-hit region.
The sanctions are part of a broader US initiative to uphold a Washington-brokered peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC, which was signed in December but quickly collapsed amid renewed fighting in the mineral-rich east.
“President Trump is paving the way for peace in the DRC, and he has been clear that those who continue to sow instability will be held accountable,” said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Kabila, who succeeded his assassinated father in 2001 and led the country until 2019, has faced mounting legal and political pressure since leaving office. A military court sentenced him to death in absentia last year on charges including treason linked to alleged rebel collaboration, effectively barring him from a political comeback.
He later resurfaced in Goma after the strategic eastern city fell to rebel forces earlier this year. The Treasury Department says it believes Kabila is currently based there.
Despite living in exile, Kabila is believed to still hold significant business interests in the DRC. US officials warned that any individuals or entities continuing financial dealings with him risk exposure to sanctions, which include asset freezes and a ban on US transactions.
The move comes amid continued instability in eastern Congo, where M23 advances have persisted despite international diplomatic efforts. Washington has also previously imposed sanctions on Rwandan military-linked figures, while Kigali denies direct involvement with the rebels and accuses Kinshasa of failing to address armed groups linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
US officials say the sanctions are intended to pressure all actors seen as fueling instability and to reinforce efforts toward a lasting peace deal in the region.
