Trump Sanctions Rwandan Mining Firms Over Eastern DRC Conflict

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US President Donald Trump has imposed sanctions on Rwandan mining companies and individuals accused of supporting the illicit smuggling of minerals from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) into Rwanda.

In a statement issued on June 25, the US Treasury said its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the companies for allegedly working in coordination with the Rwandan-backed March 23 Movement to illegally transport conflict minerals from eastern DRC to Rwanda.

“Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on a network working in coordination with the Rwandan-backed March 23 Movement (M23) to illegally smuggle minerals from eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to Rwanda,” read part of the statement.

US Sanctions Rwandan Mining Firms Over Role in Eastern DRC Conflict

The Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said the US would continue targeting those accused of profiting from conflict minerals.

“The United States will not allow rogue groups to profit from the illicit mineral trade and destabilize the region,” Bessent said.

He added that the DRC’s mineral wealth belongs to the Congolese people and said the Trump administration would continue taking action against those it alleges enable violence, exploitation, and attacks against civilians.

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According to the Treasury, M23 has committed numerous human rights abuses and continues to undermine regional peace efforts, and revenue generated from the illicit minerals trade has enabled the armed group to finance its operations, purchase weapons, and sustain its activities in eastern DRC.

Among those sanctioned is Gasabo Gold Refinery LTD, which authorities allege played a central role in refining gold smuggled from M23-controlled areas of eastern DRC into Rwanda.

The Treasury claims that gold extracted from mines in South Kivu under M23 control was transported under the supervision of the Rwanda Defence Force before being refined at the Kigali-based company.

US authorities said that in early 2026, at least 60 kilograms of gold worth millions of dollars were moved from eastern DRC to Gasabo Gold through the alleged scheme.

The Treasury also sanctioned Gasabo Gold Chairman Jean Malic Kalima and General Manager Bosco Kayobotsi, accusing them of acting on behalf of the refinery.

Previous Sanctions by the Treasury

The Treasury noted that the latest measures build on earlier sanctions imposed against individuals and entities accused of fueling instability in eastern DRC.

It said OFAC sanctioned the Rwanda Defence Force in March 2026, alleging that it had provided military, financial, and logistical support to M23 during the group’s capture of key cities, including Goma and Bukavu.

Trump has repeatedly expressed concern that minerals smuggled from eastern DRC through Rwanda enter international supply chains, with proceeds allegedly financing armed groups operating in the region.

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According to the Treasury, mines controlled by armed groups have also been linked to serious human rights abuses, including forced labour, child labour, and sexual and gender-based violence.

Under the sanctions, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities that fall under U.S. jurisdiction are blocked.

The measures also prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions involving the sanctioned parties unless authorised by OFAC.

Additionally, the treasury warned that foreign individuals, companies, and financial institutions could also face sanctions if they knowingly facilitate transactions involving designated persons or attempt to evade U.S. sanctions.

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