M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have seized control of Rubaya, a strategic mining town for the smartphone mineral coltan, following fierce clashes in the region.
The Tutsi-led M23 military spokesman, Willy Ngoma, confirmed that Rubaya, located in North Kivu, is now under rebel control as they targeted armed groups including the Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FLDR), composed of ethnic Hutus.
Lieutenant Colonel Guillaume Njike, spokesperson for Congo’s army operations against the rebels, stated that they are verifying reports of Rubaya’s capture by the M23.
The M23 rebels have also claimed the capture of Ngungu town and neighboring areas in Masisi territory, further intensifying fighting with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) soldiers and coalition forces in North Kivu province.
General Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, M23’s military commander, confirmed the rebel advance into areas near Ngungu, Mululu, Runigi, and Kenyenzuki, stating their successful expulsion of coalition forces, including FDLR, Maï Maï, Imbonerakure, and Burundian Army units.
Bertrand Bisimwa, President of M23, justified the rebel offensive as a response to attacks on their positions by FARDC and Burundian mercenaries, emphasizing that their objective was not to disrupt mining activities but to defend against provocations.
Despite claims of capturing Rubaya and surrounding areas, the Congolese government has not issued a formal statement regarding the latest M23 advances.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has been exacerbated by the concentration of mineral resources in the region, particularly coltan-rich areas like Rubaya, which is vital for smartphone and electronic manufacturing.
The capture of Rubaya marks a significant development in the M23’s resurgence since initiating conflict against the government in March 2022. Accusations of Rwandan support for the M23 persist, although both Rwanda and the rebel group deny these claims.
Reports indicate widespread displacement of the population due to intense clashes, with mining quarries in Rubaya reportedly unaffected by the rebel occupation.
The town was previously controlled by the pro-government militia group Wazalendo before falling to M23 forces.
In response to escalating violence and rebel advances, the Congolese government, UN officials, and Western powers continue to scrutinize Rwanda’s alleged involvement with the M23, revealing the regional complexities driving conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mineral-rich eastern provinces.