Coltan Traffickers Caught in Goma Amid Crackdown on Illegal Mineral Trade
As part of the “Safisha Muji wa Goma” operation, seven packages of coltan, a key mineral used in the production of electric batteries, were seized on Saturday by the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) in collaboration with security forces in Goma, North Kivu.
The seizure marks a significant victory in the fight against the illegal mineral trade that fuels conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to Congolese National Radio and Television (RTNC), the 350kg of coltan originated from Rubaya in Masisi territory and was en route to Rwanda through Goma.
Authorities report that traffickers often use the proceeds from illegal mineral sales to fund armed groups involved in the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC.
Senior Superintendent Kapend Kamand Faustin, commenting on the operation, explained, “These traffickers are enriching themselves, passing through Goma on their way to Rwanda, where they use their profits to buy weapons and attack us.” He credited the successful seizure to the professionalism of the ANR Goma office and the use of a search warrant.
The operation underscores the importance of community cooperation in tackling the illegal mineral trade. The Principal High Commissioner urged Goma residents to continue providing accurate information to security services, praising the intelligence service and the urban security committee for their efforts.
“Security is a collective responsibility,” he stated, encouraging citizens to expose criminal networks. “This is money that should be contributing to the public treasury.”
The Eastern DRC, rich in minerals like coltan and lithium, has been plagued by security challenges for over two decades, leading to millions of deaths and widespread displacement. International organizations have long warned that the illegal mineral trade is a significant driver of conflict in the region.
