Illegal Gold Mining in Ituri Region Funds Armed Groups, UN Report Reveals
An alarming report released on January 8, 2025, by the United Nations Group of Experts uncovered a dark reality in the Ituri region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The report revealed that illegal artisanal gold mining in the area generates a staggering $140 million annually for armed groups and criminal networks, highlighting the pervasive issue of conflict financing through illicit activities.
According to the report, the official estimate of artisanal gold production in Ituri stands at 1,800 kilograms per year. However, during the first half of 2024, the Service d’Assistance et d’Encadrement Minière Artisanale et à Petite Échelle (SAEMAPE) and the Cooperative of Gold Traders of Ituri (COONORI) recorded only 17 and 24 kilograms of gold, respectively. This discrepancy is attributed to limited access to mining sites, predominantly controlled by armed groups such as CODECO-URDPC, Zaïre/ADCVI group, and FRPI.
Armed Groups’ Grip on Gold Mines
The report exposes how certain mining cooperatives in Ituri pay the Congolese National Police (PNC) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) for protection, while still making payments to armed group leaders for their “security services.” Commandant Baraka, a key figure in the Zaïre/ADCVI group, wields significant influence over economic activities in Mambisa chiefdom, Djugu territory. His illicit operations, including gold extraction, tax collection, and checkpoint fees, rake in approximately $1.6 million per month.
Money Laundering and International Sanctions
The illicitly acquired funds are funneled into real estate and commercial investments in Mabanga, Iga-Barrière, and Bunia, further entrenching the cycle of conflict financing. These practices not only exploit natural resources but also violate international sanctions under Security Council Resolution 2293 (2016). The experts behind the report are urging concrete actions to regain control of mining sites and cut off armed groups’ funding streams derived from gold exploitation.
Call to Action
The findings of the UN report underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat illegal gold mining in the Ituri region and dismantle the financial lifelines of armed groups. Without swift and decisive action, the cycle of conflict financing through resource exploitation will continue to perpetuate instability and violence in the region. It is imperative for national and international stakeholders to collaborate on implementing effective strategies to curb illicit activities and restore peace and stability to the Ituri region.
As we grapple with the sobering reality of conflict financing through illegal gold mining, it is crucial for us to reflect on the human cost of these activities. Behind the statistics and figures lies a community torn apart by violence, exploitation, and insecurity. Each dollar generated from these illicit operations represents a loss for those affected by the conflict in Ituri. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of such crises and work towards sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being and safety of all individuals involved.