Amnesty International has accused the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group of committing severe human rights violations against mine workers in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to a new report from the rights organization, the group’s actions—which include forced labor, torture, and unlawful killings—may constitute war crimes.
The report highlights that M23 currently holds control over dozens of artisanal mining sites across North and South Kivu. These locations are vital sources of gold and coltan, two key minerals used globally in the tech and electronics industries.
Based on interviews conducted with 26 people, Amnesty documented the alleged killings of 18 miners across two specific locations: the Rubaya coltan mine and the Lomera gold mine. The human rights group further stated that coltan and gold extracted from these rebel-operated areas are actively being smuggled across the border into neighboring Rwanda.
Neither M23 representatives nor Rwandan government officials replied to requests for comment regarding the findings. However, Rwandan authorities have consistently denied allegations that they support M23 or financially benefit from smuggled Congolese resources.
The findings underline the growing human toll of the ongoing violence and instability impacting communities throughout eastern Congo.
