Rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are reportedly profiting by up to $300,000 a month through taxation in the Rubaya coltan-mining region, according to a report presented by the United Nations to the Security Council on Monday. The M23 rebel group, a Tutsi-led movement that is believed to receive support from Rwanda, captured this key mining area in April after a series of intense battles. The Rubaya region is particularly significant due to its production of minerals essential for manufacturing electronics such as smartphones and computers.
During the briefing, Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, disclosed that Rubaya’s mineral output contributes over 15% to the global supply of tantalum, a vital material in modern electronics. The Democratic Republic of Congo is the world’s largest producer of tantalum, a mineral deemed critical by both the United States and the European Union for its applications in various technologies. Keita underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that the financial gains made by the rebels are empowering them both militarily and economically, deepening instability in the region.
Keita went on to emphasize the detrimental impact of illegal mining on the wider conflict in Congo. She pointed out that the smuggling of the country’s valuable natural resources strengthens rebel groups, allowing them to maintain their hold over territories and prolong the exploitation of local communities. Many of these communities are subjected to forced labor, with civilians facing severe human rights abuses, while the illegal trade erodes ongoing efforts to secure peace in the region.
The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo has long been plagued by violence, with various armed groups competing for control over the land and resources. The situation has deteriorated significantly since the resurgence of the M23 movement in March 2022. The renewed fighting has resulted in the deaths of thousands and forced over a million people to flee their homes, adding to the region’s long-standing humanitarian crisis.
As the demand for minerals like tantalum continues to grow in global industries, particularly in the production of laptops, smartphones, and electric vehicle batteries, manufacturers are facing increasing pressure to ensure their supply chains are free from conflict minerals. Keita warned that unless international sanctions are imposed on those benefiting from this illicit trade, the ongoing violence will continue to escalate, and civilians will bear the brunt of the conflict.
She called for urgent action, stating that without coordinated international intervention, the cycle of exploitation and violence will persist. Keita’s message was clear: peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo cannot be achieved as long as armed groups are allowed to profit from the country’s rich natural resources.