On June 25, 2026, 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. Treasury described the action as supporting the U.S.-brokered Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, signed on December 4, 2025, and as reinforcing due diligence across critical-minerals supply chains.
Designated Persons and Legal Basis
Gasabo Gold Refinery LTD, a Kigali-based refinery, was designated pursuant to Executive Order 13413, as amended, for materially assisting M23 and for supporting armed groups engaged in activities that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the DRC through the illicit trade in natural resources. Jean Malic Kalima, Chairman of Gasabo Gold, and Bosco Kayobotsi, General Manager, were designated for being owned or controlled by, or having acted or purported to act for, Gasabo Gold. Bugambira Mines LTD, Wolfram Mining and Processing LTD, and Rwinkwavu Mining Corporation LTD — all controlled by Kalima — were also designated. All property and interests in property of the designated persons within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked.
Treasury Statement
Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said, “The United States will not allow rogue groups to profit from the illicit mineral trade and destabilize the region. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s mineral wealth rightfully belongs to the Congolese people. Under President Trump’s leadership, we will continue to take decisive action against those who enable violence, exploitation, and attacks against the Congolese people.”
(Source tag: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Press Release SB-0543)