According to Washington, the gold extracted from the M23-controlled mines in South Kivu, after which it was transported under the escort of the Rwandan Defense Forces, was delivered to Rusizi, and sent to the Gasabo Gold enterprises in Kigali. The American authorities claim that at least 60 kilograms of gold worth several million dollars passed through this channel in early 2026.
The president of Gasabo Gold, Jean Malik Kalima, its CEO Bosco Kayobotsi, as well as three Rwandan mining companies controlled by Kalima, Bugambira Mines LTD, Wolfram Mining and Processing LTD and Rwinkwavu Mining Corporation LTD, are also among the entities subject to sanctions. Their assets under the jurisdiction of the United States are frozen, and any transactions with individuals or companies in the United States are prohibited.
According to Washington, these networks directly fuel the financial and military capabilities of armed groups operating in the east of the DRC. «The United States will not allow criminal organizations to benefit from the illegal trade in minerals and destabilize the region», said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant. The American official stressed that Congo's natural resources should benefit the Congolese people. «The resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo rightfully belong to its inhabitants. Under President Trump's leadership, we will continue to take decisive action against those who promote violence, exploitation and attacks against the people of Congo», he added.
The new sanctions are part of the implementation of the Washington Agreements signed on December 4, 2025 between the DRC and Rwanda to combat the illegal exploitation of mineral resources and support peace efforts. They also followed sanctions previously imposed by the European Union against Gasabo Gold on similar charges, indicating increased international pressure on networks accused of financing the uprising in eastern DRC.
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