The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of supporting armed groups fueling conflict in the country’s east, U.S. officials said.
The U.S. Treasury and State departments announced that the measures freeze any assets Kabila holds in the United States or that pass through U.S. financial systems.
Treasury officials said Kabila provided backing to the Rwanda-linked M23 rebel group and the Congo River Alliance, which have been involved in ongoing violence in eastern Congo.
“President Trump is paving the way for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. “Those who continue to sow instability will be held accountable.”
The sanctions come amid fragile efforts to stabilize the region following a U.S.-brokered peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda, which has faced repeated violations.
According to the Treasury Department, Kabila was targeted for his alleged role in supporting the March 23 Movement, known as M23, and its affiliated political-military coalition, both accused of driving instability and violence that have displaced thousands of civilians.
Kabila, who ruled Congo from 2001 to 2019, has denied the allegations and previously said legal actions against him are politically motivated.
Congolese authorities have also accused the former leader of aiding rebel forces and have pursued legal action against him, including a conviction in absentia on charges related to war crimes and treason.
The United States said the sanctions are intended to support peace efforts and signal that individuals undermining stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo will face consequences.
