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 rebel-controlled areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to the US government, Gasabo Gold Refinery was part of a network that facilitated the illicit trade of gold linked to the M23 rebel group, which controls parts of the mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC.
Washington alleged that at least 60 kilograms of gold, valued at millions of dollars, were smuggled to the refinery during the early months of 2026.
The sanctions target the refinery’s chairman, Jean Malic Kalima, and its general manager, Bosco Kayobotsi. Also sanctioned are three mining companies reportedly linked to Kalima.
Under the sanctions, any US-based assets belonging to the individuals and entities will be frozen, while American citizens and businesses are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
The latest action comes amid growing international scrutiny over the exploitation of mineral resources in eastern DR Congo, where armed groups, including M23, have been accused of profiting from illegal mining activities.
Rwanda has consistently denied supporting the M23 rebel group and has previously described similar sanctions and allegations as unfair and unfounded.
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