Rebel Control in Congo's Coltan Mining Region Raises Global Concerns

Rebels in eastern Congo have taken control of the Rubaya coltan-mining region, generating significant revenue through a production tax. The M23 movement is accused of benefiting from the mineral trade, vital for global tech. The U.N. warns this exacerbates conflict and exploitation.

Rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have solidified their hold over the Rubaya coltan-mining region, imposing a production tax that generates an estimated $300,000 monthly. The United Nations Security Council was briefed on Monday about the situation.

The M23 movement, a Tutsi-led organization with alleged Rwandan backing, seized control of the area following severe clashes in April. Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, emphasized that the trade from Rubaya's minerals constitutes over 15% of the global supply of tantalum, a key component in smartphones and computers.

Keita highlighted the broader implications: Congo leads global tantalum production, a mineral critical to both the U.S. and the EU. The illegal exploitation of Congo's resources fuels armed groups and sustains civilian exploitation, further destabilizing an already tumultuous region. The U.N. calls for international sanctions to curb this trade to achieve lasting peace and protect civilians.

(With inputs from agencies.)