The US Department of the Treasury announced on Tuesday (August 12) that it has imposed sanctions on an armed militia group aligned with the government forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo (Kinshasa), and multiple entities involved in illegal trading of key minerals. This move aims to curb armed conflicts in eastern Congo and promote local peace and economic stability.
According to the press release from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury, the “Patriotic Resistance Alliance of Congo – Fighting Forces” (PARECO-FF) is a continuation of PARECO, which controlled multiple mines in the eastern town of Rubaya from 2022 to 2024. Rubaya is known for its coltan deposits, accounting for approximately 15% of global production, with tantalum derived from coltan widely used in electronics, aerospace, and medical industries.
During its control of the mining areas, PARECO-FF engaged in forced labor, executed civilians, collected illegal taxes, smuggled minerals for profit, and collaborated with other armed groups (including the already sanctioned M23 rebels), exacerbating instability in the region.
Entities that have also been sanctioned include the Congolese Mining Company “Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo” (CDMC), as well as the Hong Kong-registered companies “East Rise Corporation Limited” and “Star Dragon Corporation Limited.” CDMC reportedly sold minerals from the PARECO-FF controlled areas to the two Hong Kong companies, contributing to the illegal entry of minerals into the global supply chain.
Under the sanctions, all assets within the US or held by US persons belonging to the above entities will be frozen, and transactions with them are prohibited for US individuals and businesses. Violators may face civil or criminal penalties. The sanctions also apply to subsidiary companies with over 50% ownership by the listed entities.
John K. Hurley, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes at the US Department of the Treasury, emphasized that illegal mineral trading in Congo (Kinshasa) has had deadly consequences on civilians, fostered corruption, and hindered legitimate business investments. “The Treasury will not hesitate to take action against organizations that obstruct US and allied access to critical defense minerals.”
Eastern Congo has long been embroiled in armed conflicts. Earlier this year, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels launched a lightning offensive, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing tens of thousands. Congo (Kinshasa), the United Nations, and several Western countries have accused Rwanda of providing military support to M23; Rwanda denies the allegations, claiming its actions targeted Hutu militias linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide as a self-defense measure.
Facilitated by the US, Congo (Kinshasa) and Rwanda signed a peace agreement at the White House on June 27 this year, aiming to end years of unrest, promote economic recovery in the eastern region, and attract billions of dollars in Western investments. Meanwhile, Qatar is mediating direct talks between the Congolese government and M23.
M23 has carried out armed actions in eastern Congo (Kinshasa) since 2012, leading to sanctions by the US and the United Nations, accusing the group of civilian killings, sexual violence, forced recruitment, and displacement of residents. Last year, the US reimposed sanctions on its core organization, the “Congo River Alliance,” and several leaders.
As of now, the Congolese government and the implicated companies have not responded to the sanctions.