Rebel-Driven Crisis: M23 Siege on Twangiza Mining

Twangiza Mining SA claims its employees were forced to work without pay by M23 rebels after a takeover of its mine in South Kivu, Congo. The company alleges exploitation and inhumane conditions. While Rwanda denies involvement, a U.S.-brokered peace deal offers hope amidst ongoing conflict.

Twangiza Mining SA has reported that its employees are being coerced into labor without pay by M23 rebels after they seized control of the company's site in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The company alleges that the rebels, who had accused it of tax evasion, subjected employees to inhumane conditions under the guise of new investors. These allegations come amidst increasing tension in the region, with accusations of Rwandan support for M23 rebels.

Rwanda has refuted participation, labeling the claims baseless. The international community hopes a recent U.S.-brokered peace agreement between Rwandan and Congolese ministers will quell the conflict, which has caused significant loss of life and displacement this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)