The United States has imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila, accusing him of supporting the M23 rebel group and its allied political-military coalition, the Congo River Alliance.

The sanctions, announced on April 30 by the US department of the treasury’s office of foreign assets control, mark a major escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign over the conflict in eastern DRC.

US officials said Kabila had provided support to M23 and the Congo River Alliance, also known by its French name Alliance Fleuve Congo, or AFC. Washington says the two groups have contributed to instability, violence and mass displacement in eastern Congo.

M23 has been accused by the United States and the United Nations of receiving backing from Rwanda. The group has captured large areas of territory in eastern DRC, including Goma and Bukavu, the capitals of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

The US Treasury said AFC operates as a political-military coalition aligned with M23 and seeks to overthrow the government in Kinshasa.

In a statement, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would continue using sanctions to support peace efforts in the region.

“President Trump is paving the way for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and he has been clear that those who continue to sow instability will be held accountable,” Bessent said.

The sanctions freeze any property or interests in property owned by Kabila that are in the United States or under the control of US persons. They also prohibit US persons from conducting transactions involving him, unless authorized by OFAC.

The action also extends to entities owned, directly or indirectly, 50 per cent or more by Kabila or other blocked persons.

The treasury said the measures were linked to the Washington accords for peace and prosperity, signed by the DRC and Rwanda on December 4, 2025. The US-brokered agreement was aimed at reducing tensions, advancing regional economic integration, expanding trade and investment, and strengthening transparency in critical mineral supply chains.

According to the Treasury, Kabila returned to the DRC as M23 and AFC intensified their rebellion, with the alleged intention of destabilizing the current government. US officials claimed he provided financial support to AFC in an attempt to influence the political situation in eastern Congo.

The Treasury further alleged that Kabila encouraged members of the armed forces of the DRC to defect and join AFC forces. It also claimed he sought to launch attacks against Congolese government forces from outside the country, though the effort was unsuccessful.

Washington also accused Kabila of working to position a political candidate opposed to the current DRC president as part of an effort to regain influence over the government.

Kabila served as president of the DRC from 2001 to 2019. His second and final constitutional term was due to end in 2016, but elections were delayed for more than two years, allowing him to remain in office until 2019.

The Treasury said that in 2025, Kabila travelled to Goma, where he has been living under the protection of M23.

The latest action follows previous US sanctions against Corneille Nangaa, the leader of AFC. Nangaa was first sanctioned in 2019 over his role in delaying the 2016 DRC elections while serving as president of the National Independent Electoral Commission during Kabila’s administration.

He was sanctioned again in July 2024 for his leadership role in AFC, which Washington says has worked with M23 to mobilize armed groups, establish rebel control over Congolese territory and pursue regime change in Kinshasa.

Eastern DRC has remained one of Africa’s most volatile conflict zones, with fighting between M23, Congolese forces and other armed groups causing widespread civilian suffering. Thousands of civilians have been killed, while many more have been displaced from their homes.

The move is likely to deepen political tensions around Kabila’s role in Congolese politics, especially as Kinshasa and regional partners continue efforts to contain the conflict in the east.

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