The M23 armed group has rejected accusations that its fighters stole at least 500 kilograms of gold from Twangiza Mining’s concession in South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Twangiza Mining, which operates in an area largely under M23 control, claimed earlier this week that the rebels had “secretly transported the bullion through underground channels” and had enlisted Rwandan technicians to extract geological data for mining expansion.
At a press conference on Thursday, Corneille Nangaa, leader of a rebel alliance that includes M23, dismissed the allegations, saying the mine was not in operation and only artisanal miners were active in the area. “M23 does not have the necessary equipment to operate a mine,” Nangaa said.
He further accused Congolese government forces of attacking the site — including through aerial bombings that allegedly killed civilians, though he did not provide a death toll. A drone strike on October 15 destroyed the mine’s power infrastructure, according to Twangiza, but the responsible party remains unclear.
The Congolese government did not respond to requests for comment.
M23 has waged an extensive military campaign this year, seizing more territory than ever before in eastern Congo. The group reportedly took control of the Twangiza mine in May, prompting the company to declare force majeure. Twangiza estimates losses of over 100 kilograms of gold per month since the takeover, along with $5 million in equipment and materials.
The company said it plans to file a formal complaint with both Congolese authorities and international arbitration bodies.
UN investigators have repeatedly warned of the growing role of armed groups in eastern Congo’s mining sector, noting that M23 rebels previously earned around $300,000 a month from mineral taxes in the coltan-rich Rubaya region.
