The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on entities connected to armed group violence and the sale of critical minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The move comes amid ongoing instability in eastern DRC, where thousands of civilians have died and mass displacement has occurred. The situation has worsened with the expansion of territory controlled by the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) and reprisal attacks from militias aligned with the DRC government.
Today’s sanctions focus on an armed group involved in illegal mining operations and taxation schemes in Rubaya, a region known for its deposits of minerals used in modern electronics. The action also targets companies based in the DRC and China that trade 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 recently helped facilitate a peace agreement between DRC and Rwanda, signed on June 27, 2025. U.S. officials say they continue to support regional economic integration efforts aimed at expanding trade, increasing transparency in mineral supply chains, and encouraging responsible investment.
In July 2024, the U.S. Department of State raised concerns about how illicit mineral trade contributes to instability in eastern DRC. Many minerals are smuggled through Rwanda before reaching major refining centers such as China. Armed groups benefit financially from these activities by selling minerals and imposing illegal taxes, sometimes working with corrupt local officials. Mines under armed group control have been linked to forced labor, child labor, and sexual violence.
One group targeted by today’s sanctions is Coalition des Patriotes Résistants Congolais-Force de Frappe (PARECO-FF), which emerged in 2022 after M23’s resurgence. From 2022 to early 2024, PARECO-FF controlled mining sites in Rubaya and generated revenue through mining operations, illegal fees from miners, smuggling activities, forced labor practices, and executions of civilians.
PARECO-FF is being sanctioned under Executive Order 13413 for actions threatening peace or stability in the DRC.
The sanctions also apply to Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo (CDMC), a Congolese mining company operating on Rubaya’s largest concession. CDMC sold minerals sourced from areas controlled by PARECO-FF to Hong Kong-based export companies East Rise Corporation Limited and Star Dragon Corporation Limited. According to OFAC, this trade supports insecurity by funding armed groups while depriving the DRC government of revenue.
East Rise Corporation Limited and Star Dragon Corporation Limited are sanctioned for supporting CDMC.
As a result of these actions, all property or interests belonging to designated persons within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. Entities owned at least 50 percent by one or more blocked persons are also subject to these measures. Unless authorized by OFAC or exempted by regulation or license, transactions involving property or interests of blocked persons are generally prohibited for U.S. persons or those transiting through the United States.
Violations may lead to civil or criminal penalties for both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals engaging with designated individuals or entities. OFAC may impose civil penalties on a strict liability basis; further details can be found within OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines.
OFAC notes that its ability to add or remove individuals from its Specially Designated Nationals list aims not just at punishment but at promoting positive behavioral change among those sanctioned.