Rubaya, DRC 

Evidence suggests a concerted effort of Rwandan authorities and the M23 to utilise their military position on Congolese soil in the Kivu region for both political and economic gain. Controlling the mining towns in east Congo seems to be a strategic move on their part. Politically, it allows them to push more aggressively for favourable conditions in the Luanda negotiations with Congo; controlling the mining effectively controls a major aspect of the Congolese economy, and thus significantly increases their leverage. Economically, it is an immensely profitable operation from which both Rwanda and the M23 benefit massively. The price of coltan on the global market, which is sourced primarily from these mines, has already more than doubled, with local mine workers standing to benefit with an exponential increase in wages. This increase in friction with the Congolese government and increased economic stability only stands to further benefit M23.

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The specific case of the recently captured town of Rubaya demonstrates these dynamics. M23 are enhancing their profits significantly using the occupation of Rubaya, a town rich in smartphone manufacturing minerals, by directing these products to their proxy-host Rwanda. Rwanda allegedly then sells the minerals within the global supply chain, which allegedly includes sales to companies like Apple. Rather than locals experiencing exploitation at the hands of the rebels, their share of the profits have improved especially in comparison to exploitation of workers by foreign operatives and companies, most notably Chinese companies, in other parts of the country. In such operations artisanal miners are left with barely enough to subsist on. The efforts of the Congolese government to prevent foreign exploitation have floundered due to a lack of enforcement and the government’s own corrupt exploitation of the mining industry.

M23 controlled mines in Rubaya, DRC

Rubaya mine at Latitude/Longitude:

1°33'31"S 28°53'00"E

Suspected or Known Aggressors:

M23 (Suspected)

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Known Quantity of Participants:

Unknown

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Aggressor Evidence:

M23 spokespersons confirmed the capture of the town, which has been circulated widely by news outlets.