Rebel Group Seizes Another Mining Town In Eastern DRC

 A powerful rebel coalition has claimed control of another mining town in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), just over a week after taking the region’s largest city, Goma.

Clashes between the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and Congolese forces have left over 3,000 people dead in less than two weeks, according to government sources. The AFC, which includes the M23 armed group, seized the resource-rich town of Nyabibwe following its capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, on January 27.

This latest advance comes less than a year after the rebels took control of Rubaya, another key mining hub known for its vast deposits of coltan, a crucial mineral used in smartphone production.

The Role of Minerals in the Conflict

For decades, the DRC has struggled with violent conflicts fueled by ethnic tensions and competition for its vast natural resources. The country holds some of the world’s largest reserves of cobalt and coltan—minerals essential for electronics manufacturing. Cobalt is a key component in batteries for electric vehicles and mobile phones, while coltan is refined into tantalum, used in various electronic devices.

Despite this wealth, most Congolese citizens have seen little benefit. The World Bank ranks DRC among the world’s poorest nations, with much of its mineral wealth divided between the government and armed groups controlling the resource-rich eastern territories.

“Access to natural resources is at the heart of this conflict,” said Jean Pierre Okenda, an expert in extractive industry governance. “It’s no coincidence that the areas occupied by rebels are mining zones. Global demand for cobalt and coltan has only fueled the crisis.”

Who Profits from the Minerals?

Victor Tesongo, a spokesperson for the AFC-M23 alliance, confirmed that the group controls the lucrative coltan mines in Rubaya and Nyabibwe but declined to disclose financial details. However, UN officials estimate that the coltan trade from Rubaya alone supplies over 15% of the world’s tantalum production and generates approximately $300,000 in monthly revenue for M23. The group has denied using these funds to finance its operations, insisting its presence in the area is “solely humanitarian.”

Meanwhile, accusations have been leveled against neighboring Rwanda for allegedly supporting M23 and benefiting from the illicit mineral trade. UN experts estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are present in eastern DRC, outnumbering the M23 forces. A recent UN report revealed that at least 150 tons of coltan were illegally exported to Rwanda, where it was mixed with domestic production before reaching global markets.

DRC officials have pointed to a sharp increase in Rwanda’s mineral exports, suggesting a connection between rebel-controlled mining zones and the surge. However, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has denied any direct involvement, stating that Rwanda sources its minerals domestically.

Where Do DRC’s Minerals End Up?

In a previous address, Kagame acknowledged that Rwanda serves as a transit point for minerals smuggled from DRC but emphasized that his country was not responsible for the plunder.

“Some people bring minerals from Congo—whether legally or illegally—but they don’t stay here. They go to Dubai, Brussels, Tel Aviv, and Russia,” he stated.

The United States Treasury Department has reported that over 90% of DRC’s gold is smuggled into regional states like Uganda and Rwanda before being refined and exported to global markets, particularly the UAE. The full extent of the illicit trade in coltan and cobalt remains unclear, but the issue has drawn international scrutiny.

DRC has taken legal action against companies accused of sourcing conflict minerals, filing lawsuits against Apple subsidiaries in Belgium and France. Apple has denied the allegations, stating that it adheres to rigorous sourcing standards and has found no evidence linking its suppliers to armed groups in the DRC.

Can the Conflict Be Resolved?

Despite its immense resource wealth, DRC continues to face cycles of violence, corruption, and poor governance. Analyst Okenda describes the country’s natural riches as a “curse,” exacerbating conflicts and fueling instability.

A recently announced humanitarian ceasefire quickly collapsed as M23 forces advanced into Nyabibwe. While regional and international efforts aim to broker peace, Okenda argues that meaningful change must start within DRC’s government.

“The Congolese people will gain nothing—whether there is war or not—unless governance improves,” he said. “If the government invests in its army, ensures fair distribution of resources, and conducts credible elections, then peace can return.”

For now, the battle for control over eastern DRC’s mineral wealth continues, with far-reaching consequences for the region and the global supply chain.