The United States has imposed sweeping sanctions on former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, accusing him of backing the M23 rebel group.
Washington alleges he provided financial support, encouraged defections from the Congolese army, and sought to launch attacks on the military from outside the country.
Joseph Kabila's current whereabouts are unknown but he went into self-imposed exile in South Africa in 2023.
Under the measures, all of Kabila's assets in the US have been frozen. American citizens and companies are barred from doing business with him. Banks and foreign partners have been warned against even indirect dealings.
The sanctions also bolster a regional economic agreement that enhances transparency in critical minerals supply chains.
Last December, the US and DR Congo agreed a partnership to increase access to the region's vast deposits of minerals such as cobalt, coltan and copper.
Last September, Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia by a Congolese military court for war crimes and treason in connection with his alleged support of the M23. He denied the charges.