The United States has imposed sweeping sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of providing financial support to the M23 rebel group, encouraging defections from the Congolese army, and seeking to launch attacks on the military from abroad.
The 54-year-old, who led DR Congo for 18 years until 2019, has not responded to a BBC request for comment. The US Treasury stated that Kabila aimed to destabilize Kinshasa and position an opposition candidate to regain political influence.
Under the measures, all of Kabila's assets in the US are frozen, and American citizens and companies are prohibited from doing business with him. Foreign partners have been warned against indirect dealings, with violations carrying heavy penalties.
The sanctions are part of a broader US effort to support a peace deal brokered last year between DR Congo and Rwanda. Washington has also accused Rwanda of backing the M23 and sanctioned some of its army commanders in March. Kigali denies the allegations, despite overwhelming evidence, claiming its military presence in the region is defensive.
Eastern DR Congo has long been plagued by conflict, with numerous armed groups operating in the mineral-rich area. In early 2025, M23 made significant advances, capturing major cities. The US said the sanctions also bolster a regional economic agreement aimed at enhancing transparency in critical mineral supply chains.
Kabila's current whereabouts are unknown, but he appeared in the M23-held city of Goma a year ago. Last September, a Congolese military court sentenced him to death in absentia for war crimes and treason related to his alleged support of the rebels. He denied the charges, calling the case "arbitrary."