Rebels Kill Dozens at DRC Mining Site

At least a dozen people have been killed and 16 others kidnapped by rebels at a mining site in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a civil society organization. The rebels, from the CODECO armed group, attacked a gold mine near the Djugu district of Ituri province.

Violence has intensified in eastern DRC, with over 120 armed groups clashing over land and control of mines containing valuable minerals. CODECO, an informal association of militia groups, has killed nearly 1,800 people and injured over 500 in the four years to 2022.

Congo has some of the world’s largest deposits of rare earth minerals, such as cobalt and copper, which are in high demand for the manufacture of electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels. Military commander Yves Kadjena expressed disappointment with the attack, stating that the army is taking steps to end the violence.