Twangiza Mining, a gold mining company in eastern Congo, has ceased operations following an order from the M23 rebel administration in South Kivu.
The suspension, announced in a company-wide letter on May 8, marks a significant escalation in ongoing tensions over resource control in the region.
The letter, signed by General Director Chao Xianfeng, informed employees that all activities were immediately halted, with equipment and vehicles placed in standby mode.
The suspension is linked to new directives from the rebel government, which took control of South Kivu earlier this year.
M23, a Rwanda-backed rebel group, has solidified its hold over Congo’s mineral-rich eastern provinces, intensifying uncertainty for international businesses operating there.
In response, the newly appointed M23 governor of South Kivu, Manu Birato, stated that Twangiza Mining must comply with local tax laws.
He accused the company of failing to pay taxes, a claim the administration is now addressing through talks.
Birato argued that Twangiza Mining had previously evaded taxes, which he claimed were instead siphoned into private accounts.
He emphasized the necessity for the company to adjust to the new tax requirements. However, Twangiza declined to comment on these accusations.
Twangiza Mining is a joint venture, with 65.5% ownership held by Shomka Capital, a Congolese firm, and the remaining 34.5% controlled by China’s Baiyin International Investments Ltd.
The company’s suspension underscores the growing power of rebel groups over Congo’s valuable mining assets.