DRC Govt Moves to Block Illicit Mineral Trade in Rebel-Held Rubaya
During a press café in Kinshasa, Congolese Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to halting the illegal commercialization of minerals from the Rubaya mining area in North Kivu’s Masisi territory. This strategic site fell under the control of the M23 insurgents and the Rwandan army in early May.
Pakabomba emphasized that the government’s primary focus is combating the illicit trade of minerals, including coltan, a key component in the electronics industry, exploited by the rebels.
“We have issued orders to ban all mining activities in the Rubaya area. With the support of various government agencies and international partners, we will ensure that these minerals do not reach global markets,” the minister stated.
He also referred to the ongoing military, diplomatic, and economic efforts aimed at regaining control of the area and preventing illegal exploitation. Minister Pakabomba echoed the concerns raised by UN experts in July, who linked the conflict in eastern DRC to economic motives.
Additionally, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, speaking at the Hamburg Conference on Sustainable Development, highlighted her government’s efforts to establish a mineral traceability system, focusing on transparency and ethical marketing in key sectors like gold, tin, and copper. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb smuggling and illegal mining.
