DRC-Rwanda: Zigama facilitated transport of gold from M23/AFC-controlled areas to Kigali and tens of millions of dollars in transactions benefiting the M23 and AFC, says U.S. Treasury

The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Zigama Credit and Savings Society, a Rwandan financial institution accused of supporting the Rwanda Defence Force, the M23 and the Congo River Alliance (AFC). Treasury says Zigama facilitated overseas purchases of weapons and military equipment for Rwandan forces, as well as travel and accommodation expenses for troops attending training exercises. A branch of the institution allegedly helped transport gold mined in M23-controlled areas of eastern DRC to Kigali, while Zigama facilitated tens of millions of dollars in transactions benefiting the M23 and AFC. Assets covered by the sanctions that are in the United States are blocked.