EU Sanctions Rwanda

BREAKING:
EU Sanctions Rwanda

March 17, 2025 (Brussels and Washington DC) – Today, the European Union (EU) placed sanctions on Rwandan officials linked to the illicit extraction of natural resources amid a Rwandan-led invasion of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The EU sanctions designate Rwandan army commanders, senior members of the M23 rebel group, and the chief executive of Rwanda’s mining agency.

Sasha Lezhnev, Senior Advisor at The Sentry, said: “Since Rwanda invaded with troops and support for M23, it has exported over $800 million in illicit gold, including from Congolese mines now controlled by the M23. The US and UK should follow the European lead and sanction conflict gold traders, and banks and jewelers should red flag Rwanda-exported gold, including gold going to the UAE.”

For interviews and media requests, please contact: Greg Hittelman, Director of Communications, gh@thesentry.org

About The Sentry
(Short descriptor for press use: “The Sentry, an investigative organization that tracks corruption.”)
The Sentry is an investigative and policy organization that seeks to disable multinational predatory networks that benefit from violent conflict, repression, and kleptocracy. Pull back the curtain on wars, mass atrocities, and other human rights abuses, and you’ll find grand corruption and unchecked greed. These tragedies persist because the perpetrators rarely face meaningful consequences. The Sentry aims to alter the warped incentive structures that continually undermine peace and good governance. Our investigations follow the money as it is laundered from war zones to financial centers around the world. We provide evidence and strategies for governments, banks, and law enforcement to hold the perpetrators and enablers of violence and corruption to account. These efforts provide new leverage for human rights, peace, and anti-corruption efforts. Learn more at: https://TheSentry.org