DRC Forces Push to Reclaim Key Mining Town from M23 Rebels
The armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have launched multiple assaults this week, in collaboration with the youth militia group Wazalendo, to retake the mining town of Rubaya from the M23 rebels, who are reportedly supported by Rwanda.
Local sources indicate that intense fighting is currently underway in Runigi, less than 10 km from Rubaya in Masisi territory, between loyalist forces and the rebels.
Reports to MINES.CD confirm that Wazalendo resistance fighters have regained control of the village of Somikivu in Rutshuru territory and are advancing on various fronts.
“We are more determined than ever. We are reclaiming, consolidating, and advancing towards Bunagana,” stated a young resistance fighter from the Wazalendo group.
In addition to Somikivu, the Congolese army has recaptured the town of Kisuma. This success allows FARDC and the Wazalendo fighters to push towards Bibambwe, where they repelled the M23/RDF terrorist group on May 21, 2024.
Meanwhile, local sources report that the M23 rebels are in disarray as the Congolese army advances on multiple fronts to expel the Rwandan-supported M23 forces.
Since May 2, 2024, the M23/RDF has controlled the strategic mining town of Rubaya, exploiting its rich natural resources, including gold and coltan mines, often using forced labor from “pregnant women and children.”
In response to these atrocities and illegal exploitation, the Congolese army has gained significant ground against the M23 rebels in recent days, recapturing several villages previously under rebel control and advancing towards Rubaya to restore peace.
Rubaya is a crucial area for mineral resources in the DRC, notably coltan, which represents 50% of the world’s production.
