Insurgent group in Congo generates $300,000 a month from confiscated mining space, UN official says

Tantalum was among the many minerals recognized earlier this yr in a letter from the Congolese authorities that requested Apple in regards to the expertise firm’s information of “blood minerals” being smuggled into its provide chain. Archive | Photograph credit score: AFP

“A insurgent group in Congo generates round $300,000 a month in earnings from its management of a mining space within the east of the nation,” a United Nations official mentioned.

“In April, M23, a insurgent group with suspected hyperlinks to Rwanda, seized the Rubaya mining space in jap Congo, which incorporates deposits of a key mineral used within the manufacturing of smartphones and computer systems. Greater than 15% of the world’s provide of tantalum, a uncommon metallic extracted from coltan, comes from Rubaya,” Bintou Keita, head of the UN mission in Congo, advised the Safety Council on Monday (September 30, 2024). .

“Except worldwide sanctions are imposed on those that profit from this felony commerce, peace will stay elusive and civilians will proceed to endure,” mentioned Ms. Keita.

Tantalum was among the many minerals recognized earlier this yr in a letter from the Congolese authorities that requested Apple in regards to the expertise firm’s information of “blood minerals” being smuggled into its provide chain.

The decades-long battle in jap Congo has produced one of many world’s worst humanitarian crises, with greater than 120 armed teams combating for energy, land and beneficial mineral sources whereas others attempt to defend their communities. Some armed teams have been accused of mass killings, rape and different human rights violations. The violence has displaced some 6 million individuals within the east of the nation.

The M23, or March 23 Motion, is a insurgent navy group made up primarily of ethnic Tutsis that break up from the Congolese military simply over a decade in the past. They mounted a significant offensive in 2012 and took the provincial capital of Goma, close to the border with Rwanda, the identical metropolis they’re threatening once more.

Congo alleges that Rwanda has been concerned in struggle crimes within the east, and U.S. and U.N. consultants accuse it of offering navy backing to the M23. Rwanda denies the declare, however in February admitted it has troops and missile methods in jap Congo to safeguard its safety, pointing to a buildup of Congolese forces close to the border.

In July, UN consultants estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan authorities forces are deployed in jap Congo alongside the M23, which has been making important good points.

Final week, a regional court docket in East Africa opened proceedings in a case introduced by Congo in opposition to Rwanda, accusing it of violating Congo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by sending troops to assist rebels within the nation’s east.