M23 rebels have looted 10 tons of 3T minerals from CJX Minerals in South Kivu, DRC. This incident occurred on February 19-20, 2025, as part of a broader strategy to destabilize the local economy. The minerals are vital for global industries, highlighting the conflict’s impact on the region’s stability and resources.
In South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), M23 rebel fighters looted over 10 tons of strategic 3T minerals—tin, tungsten, and coltan—from the CJX Minerals plant. The attack occurred overnight on February 19-20, 2025, where the rebels shut off security cameras and abducted security personnel. These minerals are critical for global industries such as electronics, aerospace, and military applications.
The reports indicate that the rebels’ actions are part of a broader strategy to destabilize the local economy, allegedly for the benefit of Rwanda, which relies on plundering DRC’s natural resources. CJX Minerals, established in 2014, is the largest local exporter of these strategic minerals, crucial to the ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC.
Civil society organizations in South Kivu have condemned these attacks, highlighting the economic impact on local communities and infrastructure. This incident illustrates the urgent need for international attention and action to address the ongoing violence and resource exploitation crisis in the region.
In summary, the M23 rebels’ recent looting of strategic minerals in South Kivu reflects ongoing conflicts in the DRC, exacerbated by external influences. This situation emphasizes the vulnerability of local economies and the significant role that natural resources play in fueling violence. Effective responses are required to safeguard these resources and restore stability to the affected regions.
Original Source: www.fides.org
