The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on four entities tied to illegal mining and armed group violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The move was announced on August 12 by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The sanctions hit PARECO-FF, a militia group aligned with the Congolese army, along with three companies in the minerals trade. PARECO-FF controlled mines in Rubaya between 2022 and early 2024. During that time, it raised money through mining operations, smuggling, and taxing miners illegally.
Eastern Congo has long been unstable. Armed groups, including the Rwanda-backed M23, continue to fight. Thousands of civilians have been killed. Millions displaced. The region is rich in minerals needed for modern electronics, making mines a major source of revenue for militias.
The companies sanctioned are Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo (CDMC), a local firm active in Rubaya, and two Hong Kong exporters — East Rise Corporation Limited and Star Dragon Corporation Limited. CDMC ran the largest concession in the area and sold minerals taken from sites under PARECO-FF control.
The sanctions come as the U.S. pushes a peace deal between Congo and Rwanda. The two countries signed an agreement on June 27. Treasury officials said the action is aimed at breaking the link between conflict minerals and regional violence.
Under Secretary John K. Hurley said minerals from conflict areas fund armed groups through smuggling and “taxation” schemes. The trade has also been tied to forced labor, child labor, and sexual violence.
The measures freeze U.S.-based assets of the listed groups and bar Americans from doing business with them. Sanctions violations carry civil and criminal penalties.
The U.N. has its own sanctions on Congo, renewed until July 2026. Peace efforts remain fragile as the illegal minerals trade continues.
