The United States has imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of backing M23 rebels and contributing to instability in the country’s volatile eastern region.
The move, announced by the US Treasury Department, marks a significant escalation in efforts to curb violence in eastern Congo, where armed groups have driven a worsening humanitarian crisis.
According to the Treasury, Kabila provided financial support to the Congo River Alliance, the political-military wing linked to the M23 rebel group. Authorities allege the backing was aimed at influencing political dynamics in eastern Congo and undermining the central government.
The Treasury said the M23 and the alliance have been central to escalating violence that has killed thousands of civilians and displaced large populations across the mineral-rich region.
Kabila is also accused of encouraging defections from the Congolese army to join rebel ranks, further weakening state control.
Congolese officials welcomed the sanctions, describing them as long overdue. Deputy Prime Minister Jacquemain Shabani said Kabila played a central role in destabilizing the country.
He described the former president as the architect of Congo instability and said his actions have complicated efforts to restore peace.
The sanctions come as part of broader international attempts to revive a stalled peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda. The deal, initially brokered in Washington in December, collapsed shortly after it was signed.
Officials from both countries met again last month and agreed to take steps aimed at de-escalating tensions and reviving negotiations.
Wider pressure on regional actors
The United States has also targeted Rwanda military leadership in recent weeks, imposing sanctions over alleged involvement in eastern Congo fighting and calling for the withdrawal of forces from the region.
Rwanda has consistently denied supporting the M23 rebels, despite accusations from Congo, the United Nations and Western governments.
US officials say the sanctions are intended to reinforce accountability and push all actors toward a peaceful resolution.
They say the move sends a clear message that individuals undermining peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo will face consequences.
Kabila, who ruled Congo for nearly two decades, has faced mounting legal and political challenges since leaving office.
Last year, a military court in Kinshasa sentenced him to death in absentia on charges including war crimes, treason and crimes against humanity. The case is linked to allegations of his involvement with rebel groups.
Kabila has denied the accusations and maintains that the judiciary process is politically motivated.
Since late 2023, he has largely resided in South Africa but has maintained ties to eastern Congo, including a visit to the rebel-held city of Goma.
Meanwhile, President Felix Tshisekedi government has taken steps to dismantle Kabila political influence, including efforts to dissolve his party and seize assets linked to its leadership.
The sanctions, imposed through the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control, freeze any assets Kabila may hold within US jurisdiction and prohibit transactions involving the US financial system.
Analysts say the measures could further isolate the former president internationally while signaling Washington willingness to act against influential figures accused of fueling conflict.
Eastern Congo remains one of Africa most unstable regions, with armed groups competing for control of vast mineral resources.
The latest sanctions highlight growing international urgency to address a conflict that continues to devastate civilian populations.
