Gold from eastern DRC is an increasingly important source of ADF funding, says The Sentry

According to an investigation published on October 27 by The Sentry, illicit gold mining and trafficking in eastern DRC are increasing the financial autonomy of the Islamic State-linked ADF. Gold transported to Uganda has reportedly become the group’s main source of funding; the ADF also earn money from cocoa production, extortion and kidnappings. In Manguredjipa, North Kivu, mines controlled by the group are estimated to generate between $1 million and $1.6 million annually. The Sentry calls for investigations into gold supply routes, compliance with military agreements between Uganda and Kinshasa, and efforts to confront both the ADF and the M23.