US sanctions 6 targets over conflict mineral smuggling linked to Rwanda-backed armed group in eastern Congo
Washington DC, June 26
The United States has imposed sanctions on two individuals and four entities accused of supporting networks that smuggle 'conflict minerals' out of the Democratic Republic of Congo to benefit the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group.
The move, announced by the US State Department on Thursday (local time), is aimed at disrupting illicit mineral trade and supporting the implementation of the 'Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity.'
In a post on X, US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, "The US is sanctioning six targets supporting networks smuggling conflict minerals out of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to benefit the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group. Our actions support the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity. The DRC's mineral wealth should be a source of opportunity for the Congolese people, not a driver of instability."
According to a State Department press statement, those sanctioned include Gasabo Gold Refinery LTD, its chairman Jeal Malic Kalima, and three other Rwandan mining companies.
The statement accused M23 and its supporters of exploiting the DRC's mineral wealth to finance the insurgency. The statement said, "M23 and its backers exploit the DRC's vast mineral resources -- wealth that rightfully belongs to the Congolese people--to fund weapons, pay fighters, and sustain a destabilizing insurgency that has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis."
The State Department said the sanctions directly support implementation of the 'Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity', which it called a "historic agreement" brokered by President Donald Trump between the DRC and Rwanda.
"The Accords chart a new course for Africa's Great Lakes region, including through transparent, traceable, and fully licit mineral supply chains outlined in the Regional Economic Integration Framework," the statement said.
It added, "Ensuring the region's mineral wealth drives growth rather than violence will unlock greater opportunity for legitimate companies to invest in the region and will secure access to critical minerals vital to US industries."
Calling for greater accountability across global supply chains, the United States urged governments, businesses and financial institutions to end the illicit trade in conflict minerals.
"The United States calls on all actors to halt the illicit trade of conflict minerals, which finances armed groups, enables forced and child labour, and perpetuates sexual violence in mining communities," the statement said.
It further urged that "all mineral supply chain actors, including end-users and financial institutions, should ensure they consistently implement responsible practices and leverage their role to incentivise development of a fully licit, transparent minerals sector."
The State Department said the latest measures build on sanctions imposed in August 2025 against conflict minerals traffickers and demonstrate that the United States " will impose consequences on those who profit from eastern DRC's suffering."
The sanctions were imposed under the authorities were imposed under the authorities of Executive Order 13413, as amended.
Executive Order 13413 is a US presidential directive issued by George W. Bush on October 27, 2006, that establishes the framework for US sanctions related to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is all well and good, but why does the US always wait until things get really bad? The DRC has been suffering for decades, and now suddenly they care about "conflict minerals"? 🙄 Also, that "Washington Accords" sounds like another big power deal that doesn't actually help ordinary Congolese people. We need more transparency in global supply chains, not just sanctions.
As someone who works in the mining sector, I can tell you that conflict minerals are a huge problem globally. The DRC has some of the richest mineral deposits in the world—cobalt, copper, gold—and it's tragic that this wealth is fueling violence instead of development. India imports a lot of these minerals too, so we need to ensure our supply chains are clean.
I really hope these sanctions work, but history shows that sanctions often hurt ordinary people more than the bad guys. The M23 will find other ways to fund themselves, and the Congolese people will suffer more. What the DRC really needs is investment in legitimate mining infrastructure and jobs. India could help there—we have expertise in sustainable mining.
About time the US did something about this. The M23 is essentially Rwanda's proxy in the DRC, and they've been looting minerals for years. But I'm skeptical of the "Washington Accords"—Trump brokering peace in Africa? Really? 😂 Let's see if this is just another photo op or actual change. The DRC deserves better than being a playground for armed groups and foreign interests.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.