The US State and Treasury departments said the sanctions will freeze all US-based assets linked to PARECO, CDMC, East Rise, and Star Dragon, and prohibit any US transactions with them. The measures are part of Washington’s effort to secure lawful access to Congo’s critical minerals while disrupting armed groups’ financing networks. Rubaya is now under the control of the M23 rebel group, which is already under US sanctions.

The Rubaya coltan mine is located in one of the most mineral-rich areas of eastern Congo, a region long plagued by armed conflict involving both domestic and foreign-backed groups. Control of such mining sites has fueled violence for decades, contributing to mass displacement and humanitarian crises.

In June, Congo and Rwanda signed a US-brokered peace deal aimed at ending hostilities and improving American companies’ access to critical minerals. Both Kinshasa and M23 have committed to a permanent peace agreement by August 18, but fresh fighting has jeopardized progress, with each side accusing the other of ceasefire violations this week. The US says continued instability in the region underscores the urgency of cutting off armed groups from mineral revenues that fund the conflict.