Republic of the Congo (DRC) have fueled accusations against the M23 movement and Rwanda. However, an in-depth investigation conducted by journalist Bojana Coulibaly presents a different reality one that challenges the mainstream narrative perpetuated by international bodies, human rights organizations, and Western governments.
Contrary to claims, there is no presence of M23 forces in or around the coltan mines of Rubaya. The movement group does not participate in any aspect of the coltan mining business.
Despite accusations, there is no evidence of Rwandan involvement in the extraction or trade of coltan from Rubaya.
Unlike the narratives suggesting that Rubaya is a conflict-ridden source of minerals for the global electronics industry, the reality is that this artisanal mine does not contribute significantly to international supply chains.
According to field observations and witness testimony, M23 leadership has implemented several measures to stabilize the region:
– Neutralization of Wazalendo & Armed Militias: Armed groups responsible for decades of violence in Rubaya have been disbanded, leading to improved security.
-Strict Regulations: No weapons, child labor, or pregnant women are allowed near the mines, ensuring safer working conditions.
– Daily Wage Increase M23 has mandated a minimum daily wage increase from $3 to $5 for mine workers, providing better livelihoods for the local community.
Rubaya is not just a mine it is a town of over 100,000 residents, where families depend on coltan mining for survival. The mine itself is located 30 minutes away by motorbike or up to two hours on foot. Due to the lack of road access, the mining and processing operations remain fully artisanal, making it impossible for Rubaya to be a leading supplier to the global electronics industry.
Coltan is sold at market rates of $30-$40 per kilogram, but due to the manual extraction process, significant volumes of raw coltan are required to produce market-quality material. The comparison with French winemaking towns, where every family participates in viticulture, highlights the deeply ingrained economic reliance on coltan in Rubaya.
The DRC government, supported by entities such as Human Rights Watch (HRW), MONUSCO, and UN representatives, has accused Rwanda and M23 of plundering strategic minerals from Rubaya. However, these accusations serve as a diversion from the real issue: the failure of the Congolese government under President Félix Tshisekedi to establish economic and political stability.
Additionally, the geopolitical history of the region cannot be ignored. The artificial colonial borders imposed during the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 left Rwandaphone populations split across multiple countries, including the DRC. Many residents of Rubaya are native Congolese who speak Kinyarwanda, yet they face systemic discrimination and persecution.
The UK, Belgium, and Germany nations responsible for the colonial partitioning of the Great Lakes region continue to support the current DRC regime while overlooking the root causes of instability. Instead of imposing sanctions and promoting divisive policies, Western powers should invest in efforts to combat tribalism and ethnic divisionism, which remain central to the DRC’s governance strategy.
Residents of Rubaya have expressed a newfound sense of security under M23’s governance. The reduction in violence and fairer working conditions provide a glimpse of hope for a future where peace and stability prevail. Rather than scapegoating Rwanda and M23, global actors should focus on genuine solutions that empower local communities and address the long-standing challenges in the DRC.
The time has come to shift the narrative Rubaya is not a war-torn mine fueling global tech industries but a resilient community striving for a better future.
