United States Sanctions Mineral Smuggling Network Financing M23 Rebels in DRC
The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on two individuals and four Rwandan mining companies accused of operating a mineral smuggling network that funds the M23 rebel group in eastern DR Congo. The network allegedly facilitates the illicit trade of coltan and gold from M23-controlled areas. This diplomatic action coincides with reports that the FDLR militia has signed a disarmament protocol, a move rejected by Rwanda as outside the Washington peace framework.