Twangiza Mining, a gold mining company operating in the rebel-controlled South Kivu Province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has been instructed by the M23 rebel administration to halt its operations. The directive was conveyed in a company letter, dated May 8, which was seen by Reuters.
The letter, signed by General Director Chao Xianfeng, informed employees of an immediate suspension of activities. It explained that the company had been forced to put its operations on standby following orders from the new M23-led administration in the province.
The suspension underscores ongoing tensions over control of resources in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern regions, where the M23 rebels have taken control of key mining areas. These developments have created uncertainty for international mining companies and impacted global commodity markets.
Earlier this year, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized control of South Kivu and neighboring North Kivu provinces, strengthening their hold over the territories. Manu Birato, who was recently appointed as the M23 governor of South Kivu, stated that the company must now comply with new regulations, including paying taxes, which the administration claims Twangiza Mining had previously avoided.
“We are in discussions with them and made it clear that they need to start paying taxes,” Birato told Reuters. He emphasized that the company had not been contributing any taxes to the country, with the money instead going into private hands. Birato also clarified that the administration did not order the suspension of operations, but simply demanded tax compliance.
A representative from Twangiza Mining declined to comment on Birato’s allegations.
Twangiza Mining is a joint venture, with Shomka Capital, a Congolese company, holding a 65.5% stake and Chinese Baiyin International Investments Ltd owning 34.5%.
