The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is currently carrying out
research to track illicit financial flows related to resource extraction
in DRC and how gold is smuggled through East African countries before
finding its way into the global market.
Preliminary findings of the Pretoria based think thank show Al
Shabaab and Allied Democratic Forces-National Army for the Liberation of
Uganda (ADF-NALU) have joined gold smuggling networks.
The think tank said smuggling of DRC’s natural resources is linked to
conflict in the region, warning that Al Shabaab remains sufficiently
resourced to fund its activities despite efforts by African Union
Mission in Somalia and the United Nations to cut off its channels of
funding.
Although ISS is expected to finish the research after one month, it
has already identified Bukavu, Butembo, Bunia, Ariwara and Kisangani as
the main trading towns in eastern DRC for gold smuggling.
Gold from DRC finds its way to Kampala, Nairobi, Bujumbura and Dar es Salaam before being smuggled to other markets.
A researcher in the crime and justice division of ISS, Sebastian
Gatimu, said Al Shabaab and ADF-NALU are involved in networks pillaging
gold in eastern DRC where control of mineral rich areas drives
conflicts.
He said the Bukavu-based Centre for Research and Strategic Studies in
Central Africa’s director of research Remy Kasindi said terror groups
are funding their activities using proceeds from the sale of gold after
infiltrating illicit networks in DRC.
Terror groups are now joining networks benefiting from proceeds of
gold with other natural resources exported illegally from the DRC to
Dubai and China.
“Al Shabaab’s links to larger international terror groups such as Al
Qaeda means its expansion into the DRC poses a significant threat,” said
Mr Gatimu.