US Imposes Sanctions on Entities Linked to Violenc...

US Imposes Sanctions on Entities Linked to Violence, Illegal Mining in Eastern DRC

Zim Now Reporter

The United States has imposed sanctions on several entities accused of fuelling violence and profiting from the illicit minerals trade in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in a move aimed at disrupting funding for armed groups and curbing human rights abuses in the mineral-rich eastern region.

In an announcement on August 12, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said the measures target the Coalition des Patriotes Résistants Congolais–Force de Frappe (PARECO-FF), a militia group that has controlled mining operations in Rubaya, North Kivu, since 2022.

The group is accused of generating revenue through forced labour, illegal taxation of miners, and smuggling of critical minerals used in modern electronics.

OFAC also designated the Congolese mining company Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo, as well as Hong Kong-based firms East Rise Corporation Limited and Star Dragon Corporation Limited, for their alleged role in trading minerals sourced from PARECO-FF-controlled areas.

According to the U.S., these companies helped connect conflict-linked minerals to international markets, often through smuggling routes in Rwanda.

“The conflict minerals trade is exacting a deadly toll on Congolese civilians, fueling corruption, and preventing law-abiding businesses from investing in the DRC,” said U.S. Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. He added that Washington would continue to act against groups that undermine access to critical minerals vital for national defense.

The sanctions come amid renewed instability in eastern DRC, where the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) has expanded territorial control, triggering violent clashes with government-aligned militias and causing mass displacement. Both M23 and PARECO-FF have been accused of widespread human rights abuses, including sexual violence and killings of civilians.

Under the sanctions, all property and interests in property belonging to the designated entities that fall under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen, and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

OFAC warned that violations could lead to civil or criminal penalties for both U.S. and foreign actors.