Twangiza Mining SA, a gold mining company operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has accused the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, of forcing its workers to labor without pay following the seizure of its mining site in South Kivu province.
According to the company, M23 militants, who launched a rapid territorial expansion across North and South Kivu earlier this year, ordered Twangiza Mining to halt operations in May over alleged unpaid taxes. However, a new statement released by the company on Friday claims that its staff remain at the site under duress.
Twangiza Mining, which identifies as a Congolese-headquartered company with Chinese ownership, stated that its employees are being “held in captivity, forced to work under inhumane conditions without wages, safety protections, or medical care.” The company also alleged that the site has been completely taken over by Rwandan nationals collaborating with M23, who are profiting from the mine while subjecting workers to slave-like treatment.
Reuters noted it could not independently verify the company’s allegations. Neither the M23 rebels nor the Congolese government have responded to requests for comment on the claims.
Rwanda, frequently accused by Congo and international actors of supporting M23 with troops and weapons, continues to deny involvement. Yolande Makolo, spokesperson for the Rwandan government, dismissed the allegations as baseless on Monday.
“Rwanda is not involved in this situation, and the accusations against Rwandan citizens are without basis, there is no record or information of any Rwandan citizens engaged in such activities,” Makolo said. “This is a local issue that should be addressed with the authorities in the area.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are ongoing to resolve the conflict. On Friday, Rwanda and Congo’s foreign ministers signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending months of violence that have left thousands dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.
The unrest comes as global powers eye Congo’s vast mineral wealth, including gold, copper, cobalt, tantalum, and lithium. The U.S. government has expressed interest in boosting Western investments in the region, while Qatar continues to host peace talks between Congolese officials and M23 representatives.
