
RDC: Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) – Communique Officiel (24.01.2025)
















“AFC/M23 ensured a monopoly for the export of coltan from Rubaya to Rwanda, prioritized high-volume trade and levied significant taxes. Fraudulent extraction, trade and export to Rwanda of Rubaya minerals thus benefited both AFC/M23 and the Rwandan economy” (S/2024/969, 27.12.2024).
“M23 combatants patrolled Rubaya town and the mining sites to ensure that traders and diggers sold minerals only to AFC/M23-authorized Congolese and Rwandan traders. Violations of AFC/M23-imposed rules were punished with arrest and detention in Mushaki” (S/2024/969, 27.12.2024).
“In Rubaya, witnesses to AFC/M23 mineral convoys reported that minerals were loaded twice weekly into convoys of four to five vehicles capable of transporting up to five tons per load. From mid-May to late October, the frequency and volumes of minerals leaving Rubaya were constant. AFC/M23 thus controlled the trade and transport of around 120 tons of coltan monthly” (S/2024/969, 27.12.2024).
The proxy wars in the Democratic Republic of Congo have as long as I can remember been about “blood diamonds” or illicit trade of the vast minerals of the nation. The AFC/M23 insurgency and militia with the Kivu provinces are there for one main reason. They are there to ensure wealth through the illicit trade of coltan from the DRC to Rwanda.
It isn’t shocking that this is happening, and this is how the Rwandan government can afford to keep up their presence and reasons to be part of the proxy war within the DRC. They are profiting from it and is the real excuse for why they are there. If it wasn’t for the minerals and the possible monopoly of it. The Rwandan wouldn’t support and give logistical support to the AFC/M23.
The ones believing that Kigali doesn’t know what is going on is naïve. It’s hard not to know the illicit mineral trade and how it covers the costs of operating a proxy militia in the DRC. The Rwandan army and authorities have a prerogative to do this. As the money gained from the export is surely making it a wise business decision to support it. They are making money hands over fist and by taking control of territories, which are known for mineral riches. That is close to the borders of Rwanda. Therefore, it all makes sense, and they cannot deny these sorts of witness reports forever.
This story is far from over. The trade of coltan shouldn’t be neglected. It tells what is happening and gives AFC/M23 leverage to operate. They are getting funding by partaking in it and it’s now proven. Nothing was shocking in the UN Experts Report of 27th December 2024. However, we know they will downplay it and act like its biased.
Alas, the reality is grim, and this shows what matters to the AFC/M23 and its backers. They have found a “gold mine” and now wants to extract it. The ones doing it doesn’t want this amplified and creating headlines. That hurts the leadership of Kigali, and it won’t to be challenged for how it works within the DRC. It is a no mystery, but Kagame and his likes wants to be disassociated with AFC/M23, but it wants the cash it collects in the DRC. That is the picture and what we are seeing. Peace.