US sanctions Rwanda gold refinery accused of smuggling DR Congo's minerals
- The US has sanctioned a major gold refinery in Rwanda and two of its executives, accusing them of smuggling minerals from rebel-controlled areas of neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Washington alleged what it described as a "network" was collaborating with the M23 rebel group, which commands tracts of DR Congo that are home to vast reserves of gold and coltan, a metallic ore key to making electronics.
- Despite overwhelming evidence from the likes of UN experts, Rwanda has long denied supporting the M23.
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- The US has sanctioned a major gold refinery in Rwanda and two of its executives, accusing them of smuggling minerals from rebel-controlled areas of neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Washington alleged what it described as a "network" was collaborating with the M23 rebel group, which commands tracts of DR Congo that are home to vast reserves of gold and coltan, a metallic ore key to making electronics.
- Despite overwhelming evidence from the likes of UN experts, Rwanda has long denied supporting the M23.
Sources: BBC News