EU Sanctions Rwanda Over Alleged Role in DRC Conflict and Mineral Smuggling
On March 17, 2025, the European Union imposed sanctions on Rwandan officials accused of fueling the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and illegally exploiting its mineral resources.
The sanctions target the Gasabo Gold Refinery in Kigali and Francis Kamanzi, head of Rwanda’s mining regulator.
Mining has become a cornerstone of Rwanda’s economy, accounting for nearly 70% of total exports and 3% of GDP in 2023, generating $1.1 billion—$883 million from gold alone.
With mineral reserves estimated at $150 billion, Rwanda has drawn major investors, including Rio Tinto, which signed a deal in July 2024 to explore and develop tin, tantalum, tungsten, and lithium deposits. The EU itself had signed a strategic minerals partnership with Rwanda in February 2024.
Despite Rwanda’s growing mining industry, independent reports and the Congolese government claim that much of its mineral exports originate from smuggled resources in the DRC.
Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing rebel groups that recently seized parts of eastern DRC and has urged Kigali’s international partners to sever ties.
“The transit of gold through Rwanda’s only gold refinery, Gasabo Gold Refinery, contributes to the illicit export of illegally mined gold. Gasabo has profited from armed conflict and instability in the DRC,” stated European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas. The EU also accused Francis Kamanzi of enabling illegal mining and trade linked to the conflict.
The Congolese government welcomed the sanctions, calling them “a first step in stopping Rwanda’s plundering of DRC’s mineral wealth.” However, their impact on Rwanda’s mining sector and foreign investments remains uncertain.
While the sanctions target specific entities, broader global traceability mechanisms have struggled to prevent illicit minerals from entering international supply chains.
