A UN report has revealed that rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are generating significant revenue from the control of a key mining region. The M23 movement, backed by Rwanda, has seized the Rubaya coltan-mining area, imposing a production tax estimated to bring in $300,000 per month.
The Rubaya region is a crucial source of tantalum, a mineral essential for the production of smartphones and computers. According to Bintou Keita, head of the UN mission in Congo, trade from minerals in the area accounts for over 15% of the global tantalum supply.
“This generates an estimated $300,000 in revenue per month to the armed group,” Keita told the Security Council. “This is deeply concerning and needs to be stopped.”
The UN official expressed alarm at the exploitation of civilians and the undermining of peace efforts due to the illegal trade in Congo’s natural resources. She emphasized the need for international sanctions against those benefiting from this criminal activity to ensure lasting peace and stability.
The conflict in eastern DRC, fueled by competition over land and resources, has intensified in recent years. The resurgence of the M23 rebellion has led to thousands of deaths and the displacement of over 1 million people.
Manufacturers are under increasing pressure to ensure that the minerals used in their products are not sourced from conflict zones. The UN report highlights the growing influence of armed groups in the region, which are using the profits from mining to strengthen their military capabilities.
