The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, is profiting from the mineral wealth of eastern DRC. Since its resurgence in 2021, it has seized control of rich territories and implements significant taxes on natural resources, benefiting from the region’s long-standing instability.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is rich in minerals, with mine shafts weaving beneath its mountainous terrain. However, rather than benefiting the Congolese government, the wealth derived from these resources primarily enriches the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel group. Since its resurgence in 2021, the M23 has taken control of numerous mineral-rich territories while imposing heavy taxes on the natural resources extracted from these areas, further exacerbating local conflict and instability.
In summary, the M23’s control over mineral-rich regions in eastern DRC enables it to thrive financially through high taxation on natural resources. This situation highlights the challenges facing the Congolese government and underscores the ongoing conflict influenced by external support, particularly from Rwanda.
Original Source: www.shelbynews.com
