The United States has imposed sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of bankrolling Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and destabilizing eastern Congo. The US Treasury Department alleges Kabila provided financial support to the Congo River Alliance, encouraged Congolese troops to defect to rebel forces, and backed an opposition candidate against the current President Félix Tshisekedi. The sanctions freeze any US-held assets and ban American financial transactions. Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister described Kabila as the “architect” of the country’s destabilization, welcoming the move as long overdue. The action forms part of Washington’s broader effort to salvage a December peace deal between Congo and Rwanda that collapsed shortly after signing.
Reuters
