Thousands march in Kinshasa in support of US sanctions against Kabila

Thousands of people marched in Kinshasa on Monday in support of US sanctions against former Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila.

The rally came days after the US Treasury announced sanctions on Kabila, saying he had ties to armed conflict and alleging support for the M23 rebel group and the Congo River Alliance. Reuters and AP both reported the sanctions last week.

Radio Okapi reported that supporters of the ruling UDPS party and its allies took part in the march and delivered a memorandum to the US embassy. Africanews also reported the demonstration and described the crowd as numbering in the thousands.

The march gives a public show of backing for Washington's move at a time of renewed tension in eastern Congo, where armed groups continue to be a major source of instability.

No detailed response from the US embassy was included in the available reporting.