Illegal trafficking of minerals, particularly coltan, continues to be rife in the Rubaya region, in Masisi territory, and towards Mushaki, an area controlled by the M23-RDF. A notable person from Rutshuru recently warned about this situation, stressing that the black market for coltan in Mushaki would be fueled by “fake Wazalendo” acting for the enemy in the Rubaya region.
According to information gathered by Aimé Mbusa Mukanda, a human rights activist and local notable, foreign traders, including Rwandans, Ugandans and even white individuals, are active in Mushaki. The presence of three green military trucks intercepted in Kitsganga this Thursday, transporting a large cargo of coltan towards Uganda and Rwanda via the towns of Kibumba and Bunagana, highlights the scale of the trafficking.
Faced with this alarming situation, Aimé Mbusa Mukanda calls on SADEC forces to intervene effectively in the DRC. He also encourages the FARDC and Wazalendo youth to identify and neutralize those who collaborate with Rwanda.
This case highlights the economic and security issues linked to the illegal exploitation of mining resources in the DRC. It is essential that measures are taken to combat this scourge and ensure the protection of local populations, while guaranteeing responsible and legal exploitation of the country’s natural resources.