The United States has targeted a major gold refinery in Rwanda and two of its top executives, accusing them of smuggling minerals from rebel-held areas in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

Washington says the network worked alongside the M23 rebel group, which controls parts of eastern DRC rich in gold and coltan — a metal essential for electronics manufacturing.

Rwanda has long denied backing the M23 despite what United Nations experts describe as overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The Rwandan government has not yet responded to the latest US measures, but in the past has called similar actions unfair and biased.

The sanctions, announced on Thursday, hit Gasabo Gold refinery, its president Jean Malic Kalima, and its director general Bosco Kayobotsi.

A US Treasury statement said at least 60 kilograms of gold — worth several million US dollars — had been smuggled from eastern DRC to Gasabo Gold early in 2026. It accused Rwandan government officials and soldiers of overseeing the operation.

Last year, the European Union also sanctioned Gasabo Gold for “benefiting from the armed conflict” in the DRC.

Three additional mining companies linked to Kalima — Bugambira Mines, Wolfram Mining and Processing, and Rwinkwavu Mining Corporation — were also placed under US sanctions on Thursday. The targeted entities did not respond to requests for comment.

All assets held under US jurisdiction are now frozen, and American citizens and businesses are prohibited from dealing with the designated parties.

“The United States will not allow rogue groups to profit from illicit mineral trade and destabilize the region,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “The mineral wealth of the Democratic Republic of Congo rightfully belongs to the Congolese people.”

The move builds on a US-brokered peace agreement signed in December by the presidents of Rwanda and DRC. The deal aims to end the long-running conflict in eastern DRC and create a transparent mining sector.

Analysts say the Trump administration also hopes the accord will boost American investment in the region’s minerals. However, fighting in eastern DRC continues despite the peace deal.

During a summit on Wednesday to review the agreement’s progress, officials from DRC, Rwanda, and the United States “expressed grave concern over the escalation of fighting,” according to a joint communiqué.