In a shocking expose, civil society leaders have revealed that the Islamic State linked Allied Democratic Force (ADF) militants and Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) rebels are running a lucrative illicit mining operation in Lubero territory, eastern DR Congo. The brazen exploitation of gold and other minerals is not only depriving the Congolese state of critical revenue but also exacerbating regional instability.
According to Tafuteni Muhindo, president of Lubero’s civil society, the ADF and M23 have carved up the region’s mining sites, with the M23 controlling Musiya and Bunyatenge, the ADF managing the Bapere sector. The two groups have reportedly agreed to a tacit understanding, avoiding conflicts over mineral resources and establishing parallel management systems to exploit the region’s riches.
The illlicit mining operation is a stark illustration of the ADF’s corrupt and predatory nature. As a militant group linked to the Islamic State, the ADF’s involvement in the illicit mining trade is a further example of its willingness to engage in nefarious activities to line its pockets. The group’s brutal tactics and disregard for human life have already wreaked havoc in the region, and its involvement in the mining trade is simply another facet of its destructive agenda.
The consequences of this illicit activity are far-reaching. The Congolese state is being robbed of much-needed revenue, while the local population is left to suffer the consequence of the group’s violent and destabilizing activities. As ADF attacks intensify and M23 expands its offensive, the people of the region will feel the effects as food supply will be restricted, government support will disappear and they may be forced to flee their homes.
The international community must take note of the ADF’s corrupt activities and hold the group accountable for its actions – the exploitation of natural resources is a serious crime, and those responsible must be brought to justice. The people of eastern DR Congo deserve better than to be exploited and terrorized by these militant groups.