According to a UN report, the M23 rebel group earns approximately $300,000 per month from illegal mining operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn more about the financial impact of their activities.
According to a U.N. official, a rebel group in Congo earns approximately $300,000 each month by exerting control over a mining region located in the eastern part of the country.
In April, the M23—a rebel group reportedly connected to Rwanda—took control of the Rubaya mining region in eastern Congo. This area is rich in a crucial mineral used for manufacturing smartphones and computers. According to Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, over 15% of the global supply of tantalum (a rare metal derived from coltan) originates from Rubaya. She shared this information with the Security Council on Monday.
“Peace will remain elusive and civilians will continue to suffer unless international sanctions are imposed on those benefiting from this criminal trade,” Keita said.
Earlier this year, Congo’s government identified tantalum as one of several minerals in a letter addressed to Apple. The letter questioned the tech company’s awareness of “blood minerals” potentially being smuggled through its supply chain.
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The protracted conflict in eastern Congo has resulted in one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally. Over 120 armed groups are engaged in battles for control, land, and valuable mineral resources while others aim to protect their communities. Allegations against some of these groups include mass killings, rapes, and numerous human rights violations. The ongoing violence has forced approximately six million people to flee their homes within the region.
M23, also known as the March 23 Movement, is a rebel military faction primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis. This group split from the Congolese army over ten years ago. In 2012, they launched a significant offensive and captured Goma, the provincial capital near Rwanda’s border—a city they are now threatening once more.
Congo accuses Rwanda of committing war crimes in its eastern region, with U.S. and U.N. experts also alleging that Rwanda provides military support to the rebel group M23. Although Rwanda denies these accusations, it acknowledged in February that it has stationed troops and missile systems in eastern Congo for security reasons, citing a buildup of Congolese forces near their shared border as justification.
In July, United Nations experts estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan government troops are stationed in eastern Congo alongside M23 rebels who have been making significant advances.
Last week, a regional court in East Africa commenced proceedings for a case brought by Congo against Rwanda. The lawsuit accuses Rwanda of breaching Congo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by deploying troops to aid rebels in eastern Congo.
