The organization Conscience féminine pour les droits et le développement (CFDD-RDC) has documented severe human rights abuses in the Rubaya mining area, located in the Masisi territory of North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to a report published on September 30, several dozen artisanal miners have died between May and September 2026. The group also reports cases of forced disappearances, kidnappings, and sexual violence in the area, currently under the control of the AFC/M23.
The CFDD-RDC monitoring reveals that at least twelve young artisanal miners from the Mupfuni Shanga group have died due to hazardous working conditions. Eighteen other miners from the same group are reported missing, with some families suspecting they may have been killed and buried in mass graves within the mining zone. The organization is calling for independent investigations to verify the existence of potential mass graves in the 47-31 perimeter at Rubaya.
The CFDD-RDC has also documented approximately 150 cases of individuals kidnapped or forcibly taken away from their families between May and September. The organization states that fear of reprisals discourages some families from searching for their loved ones in the area. Furthermore, they have identified 254 children involved in mining activities and 112 cases of rape and other gender-based violence targeting women and girls.
The situation in Rubaya has prompted the CFDD-RDC to demand enhanced protection measures for civilians. They are also calling for independent investigations to establish the facts, determine responsibilities, and potentially lead to prosecutions against alleged perpetrators. The organization claims that the coltan and cassiterite mined in this area are used for war purposes.
According to the CFDD-RDC, the mining activities in Rubaya are linked to serious human rights abuses. The group emphasizes that the exploitation of minerals in the region is a significant concern. The organization’s report highlights the need for urgent action to address the situation and protect the rights of those affected.
The CFDD-RDC report also underscores the complexity of the situation in Rubaya, where armed groups are present. The area has been a hotspot for conflict, with various factions vying for control of the region’s rich mineral resources. The organization’s findings have implications for the humanitarian situation in North Kivu and the broader region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced longstanding challenges related to the exploitation of its natural resources. The CFDD-RDC’s report on Rubaya highlights the need for greater accountability and action to prevent human rights abuses linked to mining activities.
Key points
- Dozens of artisanal miners have died in Rubaya due to hazardous working conditions.
- The CFDD-RDC reports approximately 150 cases of individuals kidnapped or forcibly taken away from their families.
- The organization calls for independent investigations and enhanced protection measures for civilians in the area.
