The US State Department has imposed visa bans on a number of Congolese officials accused of corruption or electoral malpractice.
It declined to name those targeted, but said the move was intended to send a strong signal that Washington was committed to fighting corruption and to supporting credible elections.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is to hold a much-delayed presidential election in December to choose a successor to Joseph Kabila.
His second and final term in office ended in 2016 but many suspect he is trying to stay in power.
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