Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have launched a major offensive against the M23 rebel group in the eastern region, deploying drones to strike a key mining site near Rubaya in North Kivu.
The Rubaya mine, seized by M23 with alleged support from Rwanda in April 2024, produces up to 30 percent of the world’s coltan, a mineral essential for electronics such as laptops and smartphones.
Since its resurgence in 2021, M23 has captured large portions of eastern DRC, intensifying a conflict that has persisted for over three decades.
Recent clashes have also spread to South Kivu bordering Burundi.
Local militias have joined government forces in North Kivu, particularly around Masisi, to counter rebel advances. UN experts report that M23 has even established a parallel administration to oversee operations at Rubaya mine.
Despite ceasefire efforts from Angola and diplomatic pressure from the United States, fighting continues, leaving civilians in fear as drone strikes and ground battles intensify across the region.
