South Kivu, DR Congo – The rebel group M23 has rejected claims that it stole millions of dollars’ worth of gold from a mine in territory under its control.
This week, mining company Twangiza accused the group of looting more than 500 kilograms of gold from its concession in South Kivu province, alleging that Rwandan geologists were employed to locate the mineral. The company estimated the stolen gold’s value at over $70 million.
In response, M23 coordinator Corneille Nangaa denied the accusations, saying the mine was operated by artisanal workers, not an industrial company. He also accused government forces of attacking the site, blaming Kinshasa for violating the ceasefire.
United Nations reports and human rights organizations have long accused M23 of exploiting Congo’s mineral wealth, including gold, coltan, and tungsten, to fund its rebellion. Much of the ore from areas under M23 control is reportedly sent to Rwanda before being exported to international markets.
The allegations come amid ongoing instability in eastern DR Congo, where mineral-rich territories have been a source of conflict for decades.
