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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
READOUT: Under Secretary of the Treasury Brian Nelson’s
Visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
March 21, 2022

KINSHASA — Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian
Nelson traveled to Kinshasa, DRC this week as the last stop on his three-country visit to
Africa. While in Congo he met with senior o�icials, including President Felix Tshisekedi, to
discuss e�orts to fight corruption, counter the financing of terrorism, enact systemic
AML/CFT reforms, and disrupt the illegal mining trade.
On Thursday in Kinshasa, Under Secretary Nelson announced new Treasury sanctions on
Alain Goetz, a Belgian national who operates a network of companies involved in the illegal
gold trade that fuels armed conflict and deprives the Congolese people of resources and
revenue.
President Biden has identified combatting corruption at home and abroad as a key national
security priority. Under Secretary Nelsonʼs visit builds upon recent highlevel administration visits to the country and underscores the strong partnership between
the U.S. and the DRC in the fight against corruption. To that end, in addition to President
Tshisekedi, he also met with Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, Minister of Finance
Nicolas Kazadi, Minister of Justice Rose Mutombo Kiese, Central Bank Governor Malangu
Kabedi-Mbuyi, CENAREF Executive Secretary Adler Kisula, Inspector General of Finances
Jules Alingete Key, and Agency for the Fight Against Corruption Director Thierry Mbulamoko.
Additionally, Under Secretary Nelson hosted roundtables with civil society and the
Congolese Bankers Association to hear their perspectives on reform e�orts.
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