WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned the Gasabo Gold Refinery in Rwanda, along with its chairman, Jean Malic Kalima, and general manager, Bosco Kayobotsi. The department also sanctioned three mining firms controlled by Kalima: Bugambira Mines, Wolfram Mining and Processing, and Rwinkwavu Mining Corporation. These actions freeze any assets the sanctioned parties hold under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit American citizens and companies from engaging in transactions with them.

The U.S. accused the sanctioned entities of smuggling minerals from areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) controlled by rebel groups. The U.S. alleged that this network collaborated with the M23 rebel group. The U.S. statement also accused Rwandan government officials and soldiers of overseeing this smuggling system, claiming that at least 60 kilograms of gold were smuggled from eastern DR Congo to Gasabo Gold in early 2026.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, "The United States will not allow rogue groups to profit from the illicit mineral trade and destabilise the region." He added that the Democratic Republic of the Congo's mineral wealth "rightfully belongs to the Congolese people."

The European Union sanctioned the Gasabo Gold Refinery last year for exploiting the armed conflict in the DR Congo. In December 2025, the U.S. and the presidents of Rwanda and the DR Congo signed a peace deal aimed at ending the conflict in eastern DR Congo and creating a transparent minerals sector in the region. Rwandan officials have denied supporting the M23 rebel group.

Officials from the DR Congo, Rwanda, and the U.S. expressed concern over escalating fighting at a recent summit.