US sanctions Rwanda gold refinery over alleged DR Congo mineral smuggling
The United States has imposed sanctions on a major gold refinery in Rwanda, along with two of its senior executives, accusing them of involvement in the smuggling of minerals from rebel-held areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The sanctioned entity, Gasabo Gold Refinery, is alleged to have operated within a wider network linked to the M23 rebel group, which controls parts of eastern DRC that are rich in gold and coltan, a key mineral used in electronics manufacturing.
According to US authorities, at least 60kg of gold, worth millions of dollars, was smuggled from eastern DRC into Rwanda earlier this year. The statement also claims that Rwandan officials and soldiers played roles in facilitating the alleged network.
Rwanda has not publicly responded to the latest sanctions, though it has previously rejected similar accusations, calling them unfair and one-sided. The refinery had already been sanctioned by the European Union last year over claims of exploiting conflict minerals.
The US sanctions also target associated mining companies linked to the refinery’s chairman, freezing any US-based assets and prohibiting American individuals and firms from engaging with the designated entities.
US officials say the move is aimed at disrupting illicit mineral trade networks that fuel instability in the region, despite a peace agreement signed last year between Rwanda and the DRC.
Fighting in eastern DRC has continued despite the deal, with officials from both countries and the US recently expressing concern over escalating violence.
