DRC: M23, AFC rebels ban their members from minerals business

Alliance River (Fleuve) Congo-AFC, a political-military group allied to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, has issued an order prohibiting all its members and executives from getting involved in mineral business in areas under M23 control in North Kivu province.  

Alliance Fleuve Congo claims to be fighting to restore peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Their alliance with M23 rebels was announced in December 2023.  

In a statement released on Tuesday by the coordinator Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, the decision is in line with law number 11/002/ of January 2011 article 64 and resolutions of council meetings held on December 15, 20, 2023, and March 28, 2024. The prohibition comes a few days after M23 rebels captured the coltan-rich town of Rubaya in Masisi territory.  

After the capture of Rubaya, M23 leadership asked miners to continue with business. But, over the weekend, civil society activists in Masisi released a statement alleging that M23 had established a buying centre in Rubaya town for all minerals.   

According to the statement, Nangaa says that the ban is an indication that the liberation struggle is not aimed at personal gain or illicit enrichment but at establishing a rule of law and restoration of democracy in DRC, combating anti-values and all forms of predation as well as promoting coexistence among Congolese.  

He also says that the prohibition is aimed at recognizing economic operators to continue their usual activities in strict compliance with the law. Nangaa adds that any member, executive, and military of AFC that interferes or gets involved in any way whatsoever in the exploitation and commercial activities of all identified mineral substances in the areas under M23 control will be dealt with accordingly.

Nangaa also says that minors are also prohibited from accessing mining sites in all areas under M23 control. He adds that the decisions take immediate effect. The DRC government is yet to react to orders issued by the alliance. But, the government has previously accused M23 of allegedly smuggling minerals to Rwanda. M23 denies the accusations. 

The lull in fighting was observed on all the fronts on Tuesday. However, tension remains high since both M23 and FARDC/coalition remain alert in their positions.  

In March 2022, M23, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Gen Sultan Makenga, initiated a conflict against the government. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, although both Rwanda and M23 vehemently deny these claims. The rebels assert that they are fighting against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the leadership of DR Congo.