The spokesperson for the Allied Democratic Forces/M23 (AFC/M23) rebel group, Oscar Balinda, has confirmed that precious minerals such as gold and coltan extracted from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are being smuggled through Rwanda to international markets. In an interview with BBC Gahuzamiryango, Balinda stated that Rwanda is a key transit point for these minerals, which are then transported to ports in Tanzania or Kenya. This confirmation comes after a recent Amnesty International report highlighted concerns over the smuggling of these minerals.
According to Balinda, many products from Goma, a city in eastern DRC, pass through Rwanda before being shipped to international markets. He emphasized that Rwanda is an essential route for these minerals, which are highly sought after by international buyers. Balinda's comments contradict the DRC government's claims that Rwanda is not involved in the smuggling of these minerals. The Amnesty International report accused M23 rebels, who are allegedly supported by Rwanda, of being involved in the smuggling of gold and coltan.
Balinda strongly denied the allegations made in the Amnesty International report, describing them as part of a smear campaign against AFC/M23. He claimed that the report was produced by organizations with close ties to the Kinshasa government, with the aim of discrediting AFC/M23. However, he failed to provide concrete evidence to support his claims. The BBC attempted to verify Balinda's statements with the DRC government but had not received a response at the time of publication.
The Amnesty International report focused on the human rights abuses allegedly committed against artisanal miners in Rubaya and Lomera, areas where coltan and gold are extracted. The report was based on interviews with 26 individuals, including miners, mining experts, and local residents. Amnesty International also analyzed photographs and videos taken in these areas to support its findings. The report's release sparked controversy, with AFC/M23 denying that it had been given the opportunity to respond to the allegations.
In response to the report, Balinda stated that AFC/M23 is open to inspection by experts and others who wish to investigate the group's mining activities. He invited them to visit Goma and the areas where the minerals are extracted, saying that it is impossible to understand the situation from afar. This offer comes as the group faces mounting pressure to be transparent about its activities.
The smuggling of precious minerals from eastern DRC has long been a contentious issue, with many groups vying for control of the region's rich resources. AFC/M23's confirmation that these minerals pass through Rwanda is likely to exacerbate tensions between the two countries. The DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting rebel groups in the region, which Rwanda has consistently denied.
The international community has expressed concern over the situation, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the mining sector. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how AFC/M23's confirmation will impact relations between Rwanda and the DRC.
Key points
- AFC/M23 confirms precious minerals from eastern Congo are smuggled through Rwanda to international markets.
