Gold mining company Twangiza Mining SA has accused M23 rebels of forcing its staff to work without pay under abusive conditions after the group seized its operations in South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The company, which is based in Congo and identifies as a Chinese firm, said in a statement on Friday that its workers were being held “in captivity” and subjected to “inhuman conditions” with no pay, medical care, or safety protections.
Reuters could not independently verify the allegations. M23 and the Congolese government did not respond to requests for comment.
Twangiza Mining said production at the site had been halted and that control of the facility had been taken over by Rwandan nationals allegedly working with M23 rebels. The statement accused the new operators of exploiting the mine “for their own profit by treating our employees like slaves.”
M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, launched a renewed offensive in eastern Congo earlier this year, capturing significant territory in North and South Kivu. In May, Twangiza said it was ordered to suspend operations after M23 accused it of tax violations.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations, and Western governments have repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing M23 with troops and weapons—claims Kigali denies. Rwanda says its actions are in self-defense against Congolese forces and Hutu militias linked to the 1994 genocide.
Rwanda government spokesperson Yolande Makolo rejected Twangiza’s claims, saying: “Rwanda is not involved in this situation, and the accusations against Rwandan citizens are without basis.”
Makolo added that the matter should be addressed with local authorities, calling it “a local issue.”
On Friday, Rwanda and Congo signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending months of heavy fighting that has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands. The deal comes as the U.S. and allies seek to boost Western investment in Congo’s mineral-rich economy, including its gold, cobalt, copper, lithium, and tantalum sectors.
Talks between Congo and M23 are ongoing in Qatar.