The United States has imposed sweeping sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila, accusing him of supporting rebel groups operating in the country’s east.
Washington alleges that Kabila provided financial backing to the AFC coalition and supported the M23, including encouraging defections from the Congolese army and involvement in cross-border attacks against government forces.
U.S. officials said the actions were aimed at destabilising the current government and restoring Kabila’s political influence through opposition-aligned forces.
Under measures announced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, all assets linked to Kabila within the United States have been frozen. American citizens and companies are barred from doing business with him, while any entity in which he holds a 50 percent or greater stake is also subject to sanctions.
Banks and international partners have been warned against engaging with him indirectly, with violations carrying potential civil or criminal penalties.
U.S. authorities said the sanctions are intended not only to punish but also to pressure behavioural change, signalling a willingness to target former leaders accused of fuelling conflict.
There was no immediate response from Kabila’s representatives. BBC reported that efforts to obtain comment from his communication team were unsuccessful.
The move follows developments in Kinshasa, where a military court sentenced Kabila to death in absentia in September 2025 on charges including treason, war crimes and alleged collaboration with M23, after he returned to the country earlier that year from exile.
