The U.S. Treasury Department took a major diplomatic step on April 30, 2026. Former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila , was officially added to the OFAC blacklist. Washington accuses him of being a key player in regional instability due to his ties with the M23 rebellion and the Congo River Alliance (AFC) .

The reasons for the decision

According to the US statement, Joseph Kabila (in power between 2001 and 2019) actively supported the M23 and its political wing, the AFC, with the aim of destabilizing the Kinshasa government . OFAC goes further, asserting that the former leader received direct protection from the armed group in Goma during the previous year.

The Treasury recalls the dramatic consequences of this conflict:

1. Thousands of civilian victims.
2. Mass population displacement crisis.
3. A direct threat to the sovereignty of the DRC.

A context of judicial and diplomatic pressure

This announcement comes after a series of significant events for the former head of state:

1. Conviction in DRC: On September 30, 2025, the Congolese justice system had already sentenced him to death in absentia for complicity with the M23.
2. Washington Agreements: These sanctions aim to protect the peace agreements signed on December 4, 2025 between the DRC and Rwanda, under the mediation of the American administration.

"Those who continue to sow instability will be held accountable," stressed Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary, emphasizing Washington's commitment to securing critical mineral supply chains and promoting regional investment.

Scope of economic sanctions

The measures imposed by OFAC are radical and aim to financially isolate Joseph Kabila:

1. Asset freeze: Blocking of all assets and interests in the United States or controlled by US entities.
2. Transaction ban: US citizens and businesses are formally prohibited from trading with him or any entity he owns more than 50%.
3. Bank isolation: These sanctions generally complicate any international transaction in dollars, drastically limiting its financial flexibility.