Joseph Kabila

President Felix Tshisekedi rules out M23's participation in DR Congo's national dialogue.

The RSF conducted drone strikes on Sudanese infrastructure across five cities in early May, undermining the SAF government's legitimacy efforts, while Ethiopia-TPLF tensions escalated and US sanctions on Kabila risked reducing peace incentives regionally.

The Trump administration's security-for-minerals approach in the Democratic Republic of Congo faces significant obstacles as continued M23 rebel fighting, Rwanda's frustration with perceived US favoritism toward Kinshasa, and deep historical grievances undermine peace negotiations and threaten US mineral supply chain interests.

The US imposed comprehensive sanctions on former DR Congo President Joseph Kabila, freezing his American assets and barring business dealings, alleging he financially supported the M23 rebel group and destabilized the country, though Kabila denies the politically motivated accusations.

How Trump's diplomacy is shaping the war in the eastern Congo

The Trump administration froze all US assets of former Congolese President Joseph Kabila for allegedly funding Rwanda-backed rebel groups M23 and Congo River Alliance, escalating enforcement of a US-mediated peace deal aimed at stabilizing eastern Congo.

Glencore offers a way to acquire critical minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Joseph Kabila challenges US sanctions imposed on him in April 2026.

Tshisekedi's third-term bid may harm Rwanda and M23 by undermining democratic credibility.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels accused the United States of failing to adequately mediate Congo's conflict, claiming Washington hasn't pressured the Congolese government over alleged peace violations while seeking access to the region's critical mineral reserves.

Protesters in DRC support US sanctions against former President Joseph Kabila, burning a linked party headquarters.

Defense Secretary Hegseth claims a ceasefire paused the War Powers Act's sixty-day countdown requiring congressional authorization for ongoing Iran hostilities, though Pentagon officials briefed Trump on renewed strike options, raising escalation risks.

The Trump administration sanctioned former Congolese President Joseph Kabila, freezing his U.S. assets for allegedly funding Rwanda-backed M23 and Congo River Alliance rebels destabilizing eastern Congo, reinforcing commitment to a fragile U.S.-mediated peace agreement.

Joseph Kabila, former Congo president, faces death penalty for treason. He denies charges. Conviction occurred last year.

An investigation found uranium in cobalt shipments from the Democratic Republic of Congo to China, sparking alarm.

Minerals for Regime Security in the DRC

DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi considers a third term if the people demand it.

Trump's $9 billion Congo mining deal through a US-backed consortium stalls over sanctions against Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler, who collects $250,000 daily in royalties from the targeted operations despite Treasury sanctions since 2017.

US imposes sanctions on DR Congo ex-President Kabila alleging rebel support

Sanctions have been imposed on former President Joseph Kabila, targeting his interests and activities.