M23-Held Rubaya Landslides Kill Hundreds

In the M23-held Rubaya landslides, which have occurred since early 2026, hundreds of lives have been lost along the Democratic Republic of Congo’s coltan-rich Rubaya mines. The mines, a crucial source for smartphone and e-vehicle components, operate under perilous conditions. Despite global attention, access remains restricted due to control by the Rwandan-backed M23 group. Bellingcat employed open-source methods to verify that several landslides buried entire villages, including landslides on January 28 and March 3, each claiming over 200 lives. Rebuttals from M23 spokespeople attributed these events to combat rather than natural disasters, though local and international reports cite heavy rains as primary triggers. As the investigation progresses, the death toll remains uncertain, hindered by communication barriers. Demand for regulatory adherence in coltan trade underscores the urgency. For comprehensive insights, read the complete analysis at the following link:

https://www.bellingcat.com/news/africa/2026/05/12/congos-coltan-belt-verifying-deadly-landslides-at-mines-under-m23-control/