Former Congolese leader Joseph Kabila has been hit with fresh U.S. sanctions, with the United States accusing him of backing armed groups destabilizing the country’s eastern region.

The measures, rolled out by both the Treasury and State departments on Thursday, reportedly include freezing any assets linked to Kabila within U.S. jurisdiction, as well as funds that pass through American financial systems. He led the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 2001 to 2019.

According to U.S. officials, Kabila is alleged to have provided financial and political support to the Rwanda-aligned M23 fighters and the Congo River Alliance, both of which are pushing to unseat the current government.

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Efforts to stabilize the conflict-hit east have faced repeated setbacks. Although Congo and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement last year, violations on multiple fronts have kept tensions high and threatened to derail the deal. Donald Trump has repeatedly pointed to the agreement as a diplomatic achievement, even as its implementation struggles.

“President Trump is paving the way for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and he has been clear that those who continue to sow instability will be held accountable,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. “Treasury will continue to use its full range of tools to support the integrity of the Washington Accords.”

In a separate statement, the State Department stressed U.S. backing for the Congolese public and urged regional leaders to distance themselves from actors fueling the violence.

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“The United States stands with the Congolese people and calls on all regional leaders to reject those who perpetuate violence and instability. Today’s action sends a clear message: we will hold accountable anyone who obstructs peace efforts in the DRC.”