The United States imposed new sanctions on Tuesday that aimed at a Congolese militia group that is associated with the military, a mining company in the country, and two Hong Kong-based export companies. These actions are intended to stem armed violence and suppress the illicit trade of key minerals in eastern Congo.
The Treasury Department designated the Coalition des Patriotes Resistants Congolais-Forces de Frappe (PARECO-FF), a militia that occupied mineral-rich locations in the Rubaya area between 2022 and 2024, as a primary target. The region provides approximately 15% of the planet's coltan a mineral processed into tantalum, an essential material for electronics, aerospace, and medical technology.
Sanctions also focus on the Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo (CDMC), which is said to be selling smuggled minerals produced in PARECO-FF-held territory, and East Rise Corporation Limited and Star Dragon Corporation Limited, two Hong Kong trading companies said to have bought these minerals.
A high-ranking US official, who requested anonymity, added that Washington wants to increase the cost of illegal commercial activities to make legitimate business more attractive. The Trump administration believes that a peace agreement will release trillions of dollars in Western investment into Congo's extensive mineral riches, such as tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper, and lithium.
The sanctions are imposed against the backdrop of continued fighting in eastern Congo, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels had made a quick advance early this year, igniting deadly hostilities that displaced thousands. A recent United Nations report pointed to Congo's military receiving assistance from PARECO-FF as late as late 2024 and early 2025.
Interestingly, analysts such as Congo expert Jason Stearns point out that PARECO-FF, and not M23, was attacked this time perhaps to prevent upsetting peace negotiations currently underway in Doha between Congo and M23. In the meantime, Washington is brokering talks between Congo and Rwanda.
Rwanda denies supporting M23, insisting its troops behave defensively against Hutu militias affiliated with the 1994 genocide. The US and UN have earlier sanctioned M23 for egregious abuses, such as child recruitment and sexual violence, although earlier sanctions were not specifically on mineral smuggling.
The US sanctioned the larger rebel group Alliance Fleuve Congo, which comprises M23 leadership members, last year. Tuesday's announcement reaffirms Washington's continued effort to target "spoilers" who benefit from illicit mineral trade.
The high-ranking US official said that the steps taken by America should instill confidence among investors, leading to economic growth in a stable and peaceful east Congo. The long-term aim is to establish an environment where US business houses feel safe to invest in the region's lucrative mineral industry.
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