WASHINGTON — The United States government has levied financial sanctions against Joseph Kabila, the former leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo, accusing him of backing armed rebel factions attempting to destabilize his nation’s current government.
Federal officials from the Treasury and State departments revealed Thursday they have frozen any U.S.-based assets belonging to Kabila, who led Congo from 2001 through 2019. The sanctions also block any financial transactions involving the former president that pass through American banking systems.
According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Kabila has been providing assistance to the M23 and Congo River Alliance militant organizations, both backed by Rwanda and working to overthrow Congo’s existing leadership.
The action comes amid efforts to preserve a U.S.-brokered peace agreement between Congo and Rwanda established last year to resolve the persistent violence in eastern Congo. While President Trump frequently highlights his role in negotiating that deal, the accord has faced significant challenges due to repeated ceasefire violations.
“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. “Treasury will continue to use its full range of tools to support the integrity of the Washington Accords.”
State Department officials released their own statement declaring: “The United States stands with the Congolese people and calls on all regional leaders to reject those who perpetuate violence and instability. Today’s action sends a clear message: we will hold accountable anyone who obstructs peace efforts in the DRC.”
