The sanctions target PARECO-FF for overseeing mining sites in Rubaya, a mineral-rich region, where the group collected illegal fees, engaged in smuggling, and committed human rights abuses, including forced labour and executions.
The group emerged in 2022 as a successor to PARECO, in response to the rise of the M23 rebel group.
In addition to PARECO-FF, the Treasury sanctioned the Congolese mining company Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo (CDMC), which operated on Rubaya's largest mining concession and sold minerals sourced from areas controlled by PARECO-FF. Two Hong Kong-based companies, East Rise Corporation Limited and Star Dragon Corporation Limited, were also sanctioned for buying minerals from CDMC.
'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 Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley.
'The Treasury Department will not hesitate to take action against groups that deny the United States and our allies access to the critical minerals vital for our national defence.'
Under the sanctions, all property and interests in property of the designated entities within the U.S. or controlled by U.S. persons are blocked. Transactions involving these entities are prohibited unless authorised by Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Wycliffe Nyamasege
