M23 rebels force tens of thousands to mine Congo's gold and coltan
Amnesty says Rwanda-backed M23 controls eastern Congo mines, forces tens of thousands to work, and smuggles minerals.
The rebel group M23, backed by Rwanda, controls mining sites around Rubaya and Lomera. The militia forces tens of thousands of people to work in these mines.
M23 smuggles minerals including coltan and gold into Rwanda. Amnesty documented killings, torture, arbitrary detention and forced labour at the sites.
Some abuses could amount to war crimes. The report records 18 miners' deaths: 10 beaten to death and two shot.
Amnesty interviewed 26 people, miners, experts, mine owners and relatives, and reviewed photographs and video.
- 18 documented deaths: 10 beaten, 2 shot
- Miners killed
- Tens of thousands of people
- Forced labourers
- Coltan and gold into Rwanda
- Minerals smuggled
Why it mattersWar crimes and mineral smuggling fuel armed conflict and exploitation in central Africa while enriching rebel groups and foreign governments.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but Australian companies or investors with ties to Congo mining or Rwanda should monitor the legal exposure as accountability grows.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 d ago
