The State Department spokesperson said, “Ensuring the region’s mineral wealth drives growth rather than violence will unlock greater opportunity for legitimate companies to invest in the region.”
The State Department announced that the U.S. is implementing sanctions against networks smuggling minerals out of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to support Rwandan militants, known as M23. Two individuals, four entities, and three mining companies are subject to these sanctions.
State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott explained, “M23 and its backers exploit the DRC’s vast mineral resources — wealth that rightfully belongs to the Congolese people — to fund weapons, pay fighters, and sustain a destabilizing insurgency that has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.”
He said that the department’s action “supports implementation of the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, the historic agreement President Trump brokered between the DRC and Rwanda. The Accords chart a new course for Africa’s Great Lakes region, including through transparent, traceable, and fully licit mineral supply chains outlined in the Regional Economic Integration Framework.”
Spokesperson Pigott added,” Ensuring the region’s mineral wealth drives growth rather than violence will unlock greater opportunity for legitimate companies to invest in the region and will secure access to critical minerals vital to U.S. industries.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Rubio to seek the Lord’s guidance as he heads U.S. diplomatic efforts around the globe.
- For U.S. officials as they implement sanctions against individuals, entities, and companies supporting destabilization and conflict.
Sources: Department of State
