The recent capture of Goma by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels has intensified concerns over illicit mineral trade, with analysts predicting a surge in smuggled coltan and gold. According to a Reuters report, M23’s control of key mining areas in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is expected to further bolster its funding, with valuable resources making their way through Rwanda.
M23’s role in illicit mineral trade
M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, has long relied on illegal mining to sustain its operations. After seizing the coltan-rich Rubaya area in April 2024, the group established a monopoly over coltan exports, funnelling minerals into Rwanda, a December UN report found.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the world’s largest producers of tantalum, cobalt, and coltan—essential minerals for electric vehicles and mobile phones. With M23’s recent offensive, its control over mining hubs like Lumbishi in South Kivu is expected to drive illegal gold exports, primarily through Rwanda and Kenya, before reaching global markets like Dubai.
Rwanda’s growing mineral exports
Despite Rwanda’s claims that it is not involved in smuggling, its mineral exports have doubled to over $1bn annually, according to Jason Stearns, a former UN investigator and political scientist at Simon Fraser University.
‘While we don’t know how much of this revenue is from Congolese minerals, a significant portion likely is,’ Stearns told Reuters.
Official UN Comtrade data shows that UAE imports of gold from Rwanda surged by 75 percent in 2023—a notable increase for a country with minimal gold production. Experts argue that much of this gold originates from the DRC’s conflict-ridden mines.
Rwandan officials deny allegations of trafficking minerals from the DRC. Rwanda’s ambassador-at-large for the Great Lakes region, Vincent Karega, dismissed the claims, arguing that rebel groups could not engage in active combat while also running mining operations.
However, transparency advocates highlight a major issue—Rwanda is not part of any international transparency initiatives for minerals, making it difficult to track the true origin of its exports.
‘There is a lack of transparency in mining operations and geological information,’ said Jean Pierre Okenda, a Congolese lawyer specializing in extractive industries.
Rising regional tensions
The escalation of conflict in eastern DRC raises fears of a broader regional war. Congo has accused Rwanda of directly deploying troops, while Rwanda insists that fighting near its border threatens national security.
As the M23 rebellion strengthens its hold over mining areas, the illicit mineral trade is likely to keep fuelling instability in one of Africa’s most resource-rich but war-torn regions.
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