U.S. Freezes Assets of Former Congo Leader Kabila Over Rebel Support

The United States has imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of supporting rebel groups fueling violence in the country’s troubled eastern region.

The sanctions, announced by the U.S. Treasury Department, target Kabila for allegedly providing financial and political backing to the Rwanda-linked March 23 Movement (M23) and its political-military wing, the Congo River Alliance.

According to U.S. officials, Kabila is accused of funding the rebel alliance and encouraging Congolese troops to defect and join insurgent forces in eastern DRC, actions they say have contributed to widespread instability and violence.

The sanctions freeze any assets Kabila holds in the United States and prohibit American individuals and companies from conducting financial transactions with him.

The move comes amid escalating conflict in eastern Congo, where fighting between government forces and M23 rebels has led to thousands of deaths and mass displacement.

U.S. authorities say the sanctions are part of broader efforts to stabilise the region and support a fragile peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, which has faced repeated violations.

Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, has denied the allegations. He has been living largely outside the country in recent years and has previously dismissed accusations of backing armed groups as politically motivated.

Congolese officials have welcomed the sanctions, describing Kabila as a key figure behind the ongoing unrest in the east of the country.

Analysts say the development could further intensify political tensions in the DRC while complicating ongoing regional peace efforts.