US Sanctions DR Congo Ex-President Kabila Over Alleged Rebel Support

The United States has imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of supporting the M23 rebel group operating in the country’s conflict-hit east.

Washington alleges that Mr Kabila provided financial backing to the group, encouraged defections from the Congolese army, and attempted to coordinate attacks against government forces from outside the country.

The 54-year-old, who ruled the DRC for 18 years from 2001, rejected the accusations, describing the sanctions as “profoundly unjustified, politically motivated and based on unsubstantiated accusations”.

Under the measures announced by the US Treasury, any assets linked to Mr Kabila in the United States have been frozen. American individuals and companies are also prohibited from doing business with him, while international partners risk penalties for indirect dealings.

US officials say the move is part of wider efforts to support a peace agreement brokered last year between the DRC and neighbouring Rwanda, amid longstanding tensions over the conflict in eastern Congo.

The US has also accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, sanctioning some of its military commanders earlier this year. Kigali has consistently denied the allegations, insisting its actions in the region are defensive.

In a statement, the Congolese government welcomed the sanctions, describing them as “an important step in the fight against impunity, respect for sovereignty and accountability”.

However, Mr Kabila’s office said the decision was influenced by the government in Kinshasa and warned it could be seen as enabling the suppression of dissenting voices.

Eastern DRC has faced years of instability, with numerous armed groups operating in the mineral-rich region. The M23 rebel group has made significant advances since early 2025, seizing key territories, including major cities.

The US said the sanctions also align with broader economic goals, including improving transparency in the supply of critical minerals such as cobalt, coltan and copper. Washington and Kinshasa signed an agreement in December aimed at expanding access to these resources.

Mr Kabila’s current whereabouts remain unclear. He went into self-imposed exile in South Africa in 2023, but was reportedly seen last year in Goma, a city previously held by M23 forces.

In September, a Congolese military court sentenced him to death in absentia over charges including war crimes and treason linked to alleged rebel support. He denied the charges and did not appear in court, calling the proceedings “arbitrary”.

Source: BBC News