Ex-DR Congo president hit with US sanctions over rebel links

The United States has imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila, accusing him of backing rebel groups operating in the country’s volatile east, as reported by Africa News with AFP on May 1st.

The US Treasury Department said on April 30th that Kabila had provided financial and technological support to the Rwanda-linked M23 rebel group and its political-military wing, the Congo River Alliance (AFC), with the aim of destabilising the government in Kinshasa. Officials also allege he is attempting to regain political influence by supporting an opposition-aligned candidate.

The move forms part of a wider US effort to revive a fragile peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda brokered in Washington late last year. The deal collapsed soon after being signed, with fighting continuing in the mineral-rich eastern region.

“Those who continue to sow instability will be held accountable,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement, signalling a tougher stance from Washington as violence persists.

Conflict in eastern DRC has intensified in recent months, with M23 forces continuing their advance despite international pressure. The US has previously sanctioned Rwanda’s military over alleged support for the group, accusations Kigali denies. Rwanda, in turn, has called on the Congolese government to act against armed Hutu groups it says threaten its security.

Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019 after succeeding his assassinated father, has remained a controversial figure. His presidency was marked by an extended stay in power beyond constitutional limits. After a period in self-imposed exile, he resurfaced in the eastern city of Goma following its capture by rebel forces last year.

A Congolese military court has since sentenced him to death in absentia for treason and alleged links to the insurgency, effectively barring any political comeback.

Despite this, Kabila retains significant business interests within the country. US officials warned that individuals or entities continuing to engage with him could also face sanctions.

The measures freeze any US-based assets linked to Kabila and make financial dealings with him illegal in the United States, underscoring Washington’s growing involvement in the region’s protracted conflict.

Africa News with AFP, Maghrebi.org