The US has sanctioned a major gold refinery in Rwanda and two of its executives, accusing them of smuggling minerals from rebel-controlled areas of neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
Washington alleged what it described as a “network” was collaborating with the M23 rebel group, which commands tracts of DR Congo that are home to vast reserves of gold and coltan, a metallic ore key to making electronics.
Despite overwhelming evidence from the likes of UN experts, Rwanda has long denied supporting the M23.
The government there has not responded to the US’ recent sanctions, but have previously described similar measures against Rwanda as unfair and one-sided.
The sanctions, announced on Thursday, target the Gasabo Gold Refinery, its chairman Jean Malic Kalima and its general manager Bosco Kayobotsi.
In a statement, the US alleged at least 60kg of gold, valued at millions of US dollars, were smuggled from eastern DR Congo to Gasabo Gold in early 2026.
The statement accuses Rwandan government officials and soldiers of overseeing the system.
Last year, Gasabo Gold Refinery was sanctioned by the European Union for “exploiting the armed conflict” in DR Congo.
Three separate mining companies controlled by Kalima – Bugambira Mines, Wolfram Mining and Processing and Rwinkwavu Mining Corporation – were also sanctioned by the US on Thursday.
The sanctioned parties have not responded to the BBC’s requests for comment.
Any assets they have under US jurisdiction will be frozen. The sanctions also bar American citizens and companies from dealing with the designated parties.
“The United States will not allow rogue groups to profit from the illicit mineral trade and destabilise the region,” Treasury secretary Scott Bessent said.
“The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s mineral wealth rightfully belongs to the Congolese people.”
The move builds on a peace deal, spearheaded by the US and signed last December by the presidents of Rwanda and DR Congo.
The agreement aims to end the long-running conflict in eastern DR Congo and also create a transparent minerals sector in the region.
Donald Trump’s administration also hopes the deal will boost US investment in minerals in the region, some experts believe.
Fighting in eastern DR Congo has continued despite the peace deal being signed.
On Wednesday, at a summit held to assess the impact of the agreement, officials from DR Congo, Rwanda and the US “expressed serious concern over the escalating fighting”, a joint statement said.
By BBC News
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