The United States has imposed sanctions on an armed group accused of exploiting mineral wealth in eastern Congo.
According to a senior U.S. official speaking anonymously ahead of Tuesday’s announcement, the State and Treasury departments targeted the PARECO armed group, which seized control of the strategic coltan mining hub of Rubaya between 2022 and early 2024.
“During this period, PARECO generated revenue by overseeing mining operations, collecting illegal fees and taxes for miners and engaging in mineral smuggling. It also imposed forced labor and executed civilians in mining areas under its control,” the official said from Washington, according to AP’s report.
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The sanctions also extend to the Congolese mining company CDMC, accused of selling minerals smuggled from Rubaya, as well as two Hong Kong-based exporters, East Rise and Star Dragon, that allegedly purchased minerals sourced from the area.
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The State Department said the measures freeze all U.S.-linked assets belonging to the group and the companies, while prohibiting American entities from conducting business with them.
Rubaya, now under the control of the U.S.-sanctioned M23 rebel group, sits in the heart of eastern Congo, a mineral-rich region plagued for decades by cycles of violence involving government forces and numerous armed factions. Backed by Rwanda, M23’s resurgence has fueled an escalating humanitarian disaster.
In June, the U.S. brokered a peace accord between Congo and Rwanda aimed at ending the fighting while securing access for American companies to critical minerals. A permanent peace agreement between Congo and M23 is slated for signing by August 18, but renewed clashes are putting the deal in jeopardy.
On Tuesday, both sides traded accusations of breaking the ceasefire, each blaming the other for fresh attacks.
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