The United States has imposed sanctions on a Rwandan gold refinery and several individuals over allegations of smuggling conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), intensifying international efforts to disrupt financial networks linked to armed groups operating in eastern Congo.

In a statement issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the sanctions target Gasabo Gold Refinery Ltd, its chairman Jean Malic Kalima, and three Rwandan mining companies accused of facilitating the illegal trade in minerals extracted from conflict-affected areas of the DRC.

According to U.S. authorities, the designated entities allegedly helped transport and process gold originating from territories controlled by the M23 rebel group in eastern Congo before introducing the minerals into international supply chains.

Washington said the illicit trade has generated significant revenue for the M23, enabling the group to finance its military operations and prolong instability in the mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC.

The sanctions are part of broader U.S. efforts to enforce the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, a peace framework signed by Rwanda and the DRC in 2025 to promote regional stability, strengthen transparency in critical mineral supply chains, and curb support for armed groups.

Under the sanctions, all property and interests belonging to the designated individuals and entities that fall under U.S. jurisdiction have been blocked. U.S. citizens and businesses are also prohibited from engaging in transactions with the sanctioned parties unless specifically authorized by OFAC.

The U.S. government urged companies involved in the sourcing, financing and trading of critical minerals to strengthen due diligence measures to prevent conflict minerals from entering global markets.

The latest action adds to mounting international pressure on Rwanda over longstanding allegations that it supports the M23 rebel movement and benefits from the illegal exploitation of Congolese mineral resources. Kigali has repeatedly denied backing the rebel group and has rejected claims of involvement in mineral smuggling.

Eastern Congo remains one of the world's richest sources of gold, tin, tantalum and other strategic minerals used in electronics, renewable energy technologies and electric vehicle manufacturing.

However, decades of armed conflict have fueled illicit mining and trafficking networks that continue to undermine regional security and economic development.

Analysts say the latest U.S. sanctions underscore Washington's determination to cut off financial support for armed groups while promoting responsible sourcing of critical minerals from the Great Lakes region.