The United States has imposed sweeping sanctions on former Joseph Kabila, accusing him of backing the M23 rebel group and attempting to destabilise the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement, the US Treasury alleged that Kabila provided financial support to the M23 rebel group, encouraged defections from the national army, and sought to coordinate attacks against government forces from abroad.
Kabila, who ruled Democratic Republic of the Congo for 18 years from 2001, rejected the accusations, describing the sanctions as “profoundly unjustified, politically motivated and based on unsubstantiated allegations.”
The measures are part of what Washington says is a broader push to reinforce a US-brokered peace framework between DR Congo and Rwanda, amid ongoing tensions over the conflict in eastern Congo. The US has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23 fighters, a claim Kigali denies, insisting its actions are defensive.
Under the sanctions, all of Kabila’s assets in the United States have been frozen, while US citizens and companies are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with him. Financial institutions and foreign partners risk penalties if they are found to be indirectly facilitating dealings linked to the former president.
US officials say the move is intended not only to punish alleged involvement in the conflict but also to deter political figures accused of fuelling instability in the region.
Kinshasa welcomed the decision, calling it a step toward accountability and respect for national sovereignty. However, Kabila’s representatives argued the sanctions reflect the Congolese government’s narrative and warned they could be used to silence dissent under the guise of anti-corruption efforts.
Eastern DR Congo has long been plagued by armed violence involving multiple groups competing for control of mineral-rich territory. The M23 rebellion escalated sharply in 2025, with fighters seizing key المدن including Goma.
Washington also linked the sanctions to efforts to improve transparency in critical mineral supply chains, as the region holds vast reserves of cobalt, coltan and copper—resources central to global technology industries.
Kabila’s current whereabouts remain unclear. He went into self-imposed exile in 2023 and has since made only limited public appearances, including a reported visit to M23-controlled Goma.
In September, a Congolese military court sentenced him to death in absentia on charges of war crimes and treason tied to the M23 insurgency—charges he denies, dismissing the proceedings as politically driven.