France, May 1 -- The US Treasury said in a statement on Thursday that Kabila had provided financial support to the Congo River Alliance (AFC) in order to shape political developments in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while encouraging Congolese troops to defect and join rebel ranks.

The treasury also said the M23 and AFC had fuelled violence that has killed thousands of civilians and triggered a mass displacement crisis.

The sanctions are the latest sign of Washington's hardening stance in a conflict that has repeatedly defied diplomatic efforts.

In March, the US also targeted Rwanda's military and senior officers over their alleged role in the fighting in eastern DRC.

The US backed a peace process that saw Rwanda and the...