The Democratic Republic of Congo government has accused the M-23 rebels of plotting to control the Kishishe area in Rutshuru and Masisi in North Kivu province with an aim of exploiting Coltan and Wolframite minerals.
Coltan is a dull black metallic ore which is refined into powder which is used to make heat-resistant capacitors for mobile phones, computers, automotive electronics, and cameras.
In 2021, the DRC’s coltan production amounted to an estimated 700 tones, making the Central African country the world’s largest coltan producer.
Now Julien Paluku, the DRC Minister of Industry and former Governor of North-Kivu province allege that M23 rebels are targeting to control the rare mineral-rich areas so that they start exporting them to Rwanda.
Paluku also predicts that it appears that the rebels are planning genocide on DRC soil. END.