U.S. Sanctions Former Congo President Kabila
The U.S. sanctioned former Congolese President Joseph Kabila over alleged support for M23 rebels, following his death sentence in absentia.
Lauren Collins ·
U.S. Sanctions Former Congo President Kabila The United States Treasury Department on April 30 imposed sanctions on Joseph Kabila, the former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This action follows Kinshasa's accusations that Kabila assisted the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo.
Kabila, who governed for nearly two decades before stepping down after protests, was previously sentenced to death in absentia by a military court in Kinshasa in September 2025. The charges included war crimes, treason, and crimes against humanity, stemming from his alleged support for the M23 rebels. Kabila has denied these allegations, asserting that the judiciary has been politicized.
Since late 2023, Kabila has primarily resided in South Africa, though he was observed in rebel-held Goma in eastern Congo in May. The current government under President Tshisekedi has initiated measures to dismantle Kabila's political party and seize assets belonging to its leadership.