The United States Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Gasabo Gold Refinery and its director, Jean Malic Kalima. American authorities allege their involvement in facilitating the illegal extraction, transportation, and resale of gold originating from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to Washington, the refining company reportedly collaborated closely with Rwandan government officials and M23 rebels. Rwandan soldiers and armed movement combatants are said to have secured the gold’s transport to Bukavu, from where it was then moved to Kigali for refining.

Early in 2026, approximately 60 kilograms of gold, valued at several million dollars, were illicitly transferred to Rwanda through these channels.

This action by the US comes amidst escalating accusations of the plundering of Congolese natural resources and persistent violence plaguing the eastern regions of the country.

Financial repercussions of the sanctions

For Washington, these measures are designed to disrupt the ability of armed groups to profit from the illicit exploitation of natural resources.

“The United States will not permit outlaw groups to benefit from illegal mineral trade to destabilize the region. The mineral wealth of the DRC rightfully belongs to the Congolese people,” stated US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Specifically, the sanctions entail freezing all assets held in the United States by the company and its director. They also prohibit any US company or citizen from engaging in transactions with them. Foreign companies utilizing the US dollar or possessing subsidiaries within the United States could also face implications.

Mineral trade fuels conflict in eastern DRC

Since its resurgence in late 2021, the M23 has seized control of vast territories in the eastern provinces of the DRC, areas rich in strategic minerals. Kinshasa, the United Nations, and several Western nations accuse Rwanda of providing military support to the armed group, an allegation Kigali consistently denies.

The exploitation of mining resources represents a primary funding source for the rebel movement. In April 2024, the M23 notably captured Rubaya, one of the world’s most significant coltan extraction sites. This region accounts for approximately 15% of global coltan production, a mineral essential for manufacturing mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

The armed group levies taxes on the extraction and trade of these minerals, thereby generating substantial revenues.

Fresh allegations of congolese resource pillaging

The American sanctions follow weeks after the release of an investigation by the NGO Global Witness. This report asserted that hundreds of tons of coltan, illegally extracted in eastern DRC, were laundered in Rwanda before being exported to foundries that supply the supply chains of major electronics manufacturers.

According to United Nations experts, an estimated 120 tons of coltan were exported monthly to Rwanda between May and October 2024 from M23-controlled areas.

These latest sanctions underscore Washington’s determination to target not only armed groups but also the commercial networks enabling them to finance their operations. They also reignite discussions surrounding the traceability of strategic minerals and the accountability of international actors within global supply chains.