US EditionWhere Cracks of Light Emerge in Violent Places
EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, MAR 10 – The reward aims to incentivize capture of M23 leaders controlling key mining sites amid peace negotiations facilitated by multiple international actors, addressing decades of conflict.
- In April last year, the M23 rebels seized the Rubaya artisanal coltan mining site in eastern Congo and began imposing taxes on the trade and transport of coltan.
- This seizure followed decades of conflict in eastern Congo involving government and armed groups, with M23's resurgence escalating violence and worsening the humanitarian crisis.
- M23 generates at least $800,000 monthly from taxing about 120 tonnes of coltan, while Congo produced 40% of the world's coltan in 2023, making these mines critical economic assets.
- A miner stated, "I earn $40 a month, but that’s not enough," highlighting miners' struggles amid a murky global coltan supply chain involving numerous armed groups.
- The conflict displaced over 7 million people and intensified food insecurity, while analysts warn that proposed mineral deals to stabilize the region will face major challenges.
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99 Articles
DR Congo offers $5M reward for rebel leaders amid ongoing conflict
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has announced a $5 million reward for the capture of three M23 rebel leaders, including former electoral chief Corneille Nangaa, military commander Sultani Makenga, and political leader Bertrand Bisimwa. The trio was sentenced to death in absentia.
DRC and M23 rebels sign US-brokered ceasefire
The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebels signed a US-brokered ceasefire to end fighting that has displaced millions and left thousands dead. The two sides are due to agree a final peace treaty next month, after a preliminary deal was agreed in Qatar. Fighting had escalated in recent months as the Rwanda-backed M23 took control of cities across the gold-rich eastern DRC. The US has sought an end to hostilities in the country as it eyes…
Where cracks of light emerge in violent places
An armed rebel group’s takeover of Goma is just the latest chapter in decadeslong instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. But this moment could blaze a path to effective governance long-awaited by the Congolese people.
With public cleaning actions, new police officers and powerpoint presentations, the M23 militia suddenly takes hold of the state. But behind the scenes, brutality and war remain.
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