The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced new sanctions on entities connected to armed group violence and illegal mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The move targets organizations involved in the sale of minerals from conflict zones, which has contributed to instability and a humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC.
Recent violence in eastern DRC has led to thousands of civilian deaths and widespread displacement. This situation has been worsened by the activities of the March 23 Movement (M23), an armed group that is sanctioned by both the United States and the United Nations. M23’s territorial expansion and related attacks have added to ongoing instability in the region.
OFAC’s latest action focuses on groups engaged in illegal mining operations, particularly in Rubaya, a region rich in minerals essential for modern electronics. The sanctions also apply to companies based in both the DRC and China that are trading these conflict-linked minerals internationally, often routing them through Rwanda.
“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 defense.”
The United States played a role in facilitating a peace agreement between DRC and Rwanda signed on June 27, 2025. Ongoing U.S. efforts support regional economic integration aimed at expanding trade, improving transparency around mineral supply chains, and encouraging responsible investment practices.
On July 8, 2024, concerns were raised by the U.S. Department of State about how illicit mineral trade contributes to instability within eastern DRC. Minerals mined from conflict-affected areas are frequently smuggled through Rwanda before reaching refining centers like China. Armed groups benefit financially from this trade by selling minerals or imposing unauthorized taxes—often with help from corrupt officials—which funds their operations while depriving government authorities of revenue. Mining sites under armed control have been linked to human rights abuses including forced labor, child labor, and sexual violence.
One focus of today’s designations is Coalition des Patriotes Résistants Congolais-Force de Frappe (PARECO-FF), an armed group active since 2022 that controls mining sites around Rubaya. PARECO-FF generated income through mining oversight, illegal fees collection, smuggling activities, forced labor practices, and violent acts against civilians.
According to OFAC’s announcement, PARECO-FF was designated under Executive Order 13413 for its involvement in actions threatening peace or stability within DRC.
Supporting PARECO-FF’s operations was Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo (CDMC), which managed significant mining concessions at Rubaya. CDMC sold minerals sourced from areas controlled by PARECO-FF to export companies East Rise Corporation Limited and Star Dragon Corporation Limited—both based in Hong Kong—helping funnel conflict resources into international markets.
CDMC received its designation under Executive Order 13413 due to its role supporting destabilizing activities through illicit resource trading as well as providing material support for PARECO-FF.
East Rise Corporation Limited and Star Dragon Corporation Limited were also designated under Executive Order 13413 for supplying financial or logistical support services for CDMC.
As a result of these actions all property belonging to these designated persons within U.S jurisdiction is blocked; transactions involving their assets are generally prohibited unless authorized by OFAC regulations or licenses. Entities majority-owned by those sanctioned are similarly affected.
Violations may result in civil or criminal penalties regardless of intent due to strict liability enforcement standards applied by OFAC guidelines; financial institutions engaging with designated parties risk exposure themselves.
OFAC emphasized that sanctions aim not only at punishment but also at promoting positive behavioral change among targeted individuals or organizations; procedures exist for petitioning removal from sanction lists if warranted under applicable law.
