US sanctions Rwanda gold refinery accused of smuggling DR Congo's minerals

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. …