The United States has imposed sanctions on a major gold refinery in Rwanda and two of its senior executives over allegations of smuggling minerals from areas in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo controlled by the M23 rebel group.
According to US authorities, the sanctions target the Gasabo Gold Refinery, its chairman Jean Malic Kalima, and its general manager Bosco Kayobotsi for their alleged involvement in an illicit mineral trade linked to conflict in the region.
Washington claimed the operation formed part of a network working with the M23 rebels, who control mineral-rich territories containing valuable resources such as gold and coltan, a key component used in the production of electronic devices.
US officials alleged that at least 60 kilograms of gold worth millions of dollars were illegally transported from eastern DR Congo to the refinery during the early months of 2026. The statement further claimed that some Rwandan government officials and military personnel supervised the smuggling network.
Rwanda has consistently denied accusations that it supports the M23 rebel group. The government has not yet responded to the latest sanctions but has previously dismissed similar actions by foreign governments as unfair and lacking balance.
In addition to the refinery and its executives, the United States also sanctioned three mining companies controlled by Kalima—Bugambira Mines, Wolfram Mining and Processing, and Rwinkwavu Mining Corporation.
The affected individuals and companies have not publicly responded to the allegations.
Under the sanctions, any assets belonging to the designated parties within US jurisdiction will be frozen, while American individuals and businesses are prohibited from conducting transactions with them.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the measures are intended to prevent armed groups from profiting from the illegal mineral trade and contributing to instability in the region. He added that the Democratic Republic of Congo’s natural resources should benefit its people.
The sanctions come months after Rwanda and DR Congo signed a US-backed peace agreement aimed at ending years of conflict in eastern Congo and promoting greater transparency in the region’s mining sector.
Analysts believe the agreement could also encourage increased American investment in the region’s mineral industry. However, fighting has continued in eastern DR Congo despite the peace accord.
At a recent review meeting involving officials from Rwanda, DR Congo and the United States, participants expressed concern over the renewed escalation of violence in the conflict-affected region.
