TITLE: United States Treasury Department Sanctions Former Democratic Republic of the Congo President
BODY:
On April 30, 2026, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, designated Joseph Kabange Kabila, former President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as a Specially Designated National (SDN). This designation adds Kabila to OFAC's SDN List, effectively freezing any assets he holds within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. persons from conducting transactions with him.
Kabila, born on June 4, 1971, in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is designated for his ties to armed conflict in the region. The designation links Kabila to M23, a designated armed group, and the Congo River Alliance. The sanction reflects U.S. concerns regarding his involvement in activities destabilising the Democratic Republic of the Congo and fuelling regional conflict.
The designation subjects Kabila to comprehensive U.S. economic sanctions. U.S. persons and entities are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with Kabila or providing him with goods, services, or financial support. Financial institutions must block any accounts or assets in which Kabila has an interest. The SDN designation is effective immediately upon publication.
This action is part of OFAC's broader sanctions programme targeting individuals and entities involved in destabilising activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Individuals and organisations should consult OFAC's SDN List and consolidated sanctions lists to ensure compliance with U.S. sanctions regulations.
**References:**
Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of the Treasury. "Treasury Sanctions Former Democratic Republic of the Congo President for Ties to Armed Conflict." April 30, 2026. https://ofac.treasury.gov/