The US 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 even "sought to launch attacks" on the military from outside the country. The 54-year-old ex-president, who led DR Congo for 18 years from 2001, has not responded to a BBC request for comment. The US said these latest sanctions were part of a wider