UN ties Rwandan-Russian firm to illicit Congolese coltan trade, funding M23 insurgency

A new UN report has,for the first time,directly linked a Rwandan-based firm with Russian ties to the illicit trade of conflict minerals from M23-controlled zones in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),deepening concerns about regional instability and rebel financing.

The report names Boss Mining Solution,operated by Rwandan businessman Eddy Habimana and linked to two Russian nationals,as a key player in smuggling coltan — an essential mineral for electronics — from Rubaya,a mining area seized by M23 rebels in 2024. Despite Rwanda’s limited domestic coltan production,the firm exported at least 150 tons last year,worth $6.6 million,making it one of Rwanda’s top exporters. UN investigators say the illicit mineral trade has reached “unprecedented levels,” providing M23 with an estimated $800,000 per month in revenue through illegal taxation.

The findings highlight the role of mineral smuggling in sustaining conflict and mark the first instance of the UN publicly naming a company as complicit. Rwanda has denied the accusations,claiming its border presence addresses security threats,not resource exploitation. However,critics argue the mineral trade has become a central driver of M23’s insurgency. While a U.S.-brokered peace deal aims to restore stability,M23’s exclusion from negotiations raises doubts about its long-term impact. Instead,Qatar has sought to mediate a separate deal with the rebel group.