U.S. Sanctions Mineral Traffickers ‘Stoking Conflict’ In DR Congo

The U.S. Department of Treasury has sanctioned four entities, which it says are responsible for “producing and trading” in conflict minerals in the DR Congo. The department said it targeted one of many armed groups carrying out illegal mining operations, “including through forced labor and violence against civilians”. Companies in the DR Congo and China, who allegedly partner with armed groups “to profiteer off instability to steal the mineral wealth”, were also sanctioned. The department statement said the U.S. supports the DR Congo and Rwanda in building a “prosperous future” through the U.S.-mediated peace process.