In a press release issued on Sunday, February 1, 2026, a copy of which was received by the editorial staff of www.oisillonsinfos.org, the Government of the DRC, through the Ministry of Communication and Media, offers its condolences to the families of the victims of the tragedy that occurred on January 28 at the Rubaya coltan mining site in Masisi, North Kivu, which caused more than 200 deaths, mainly among artisanal miners.
According to the statement, this tragedy was caused by the uncontrolled and illegal exploitation of mineral resources in a context of armed occupation involving the Rwandan-backed rebellion.
“This exploitation is in violation of the site’s official red status, which prohibits all mining activity,” the statement said.
Emphasizing the responsibility of international buyers and reminding them that these acts constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and war crimes, the government denounced an organized system of looting and fraudulent trade in Congolese minerals.
The government insists that this fraudulent marketing of minerals fuels a war economy despite international traceability mechanisms, notably the ITRI/ITA systems and the certification mechanisms of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.
In a firm tone, the government reiterates its commitment to lasting peace, particularly through the Washington agreements and the Doha process, and reaffirms its determination to establish responsibility and put an end to this deadly looting of minerals.
The alarm bell is being sounded for the international community to take full measure of this tragedy and its structural causes.
Flore KAYALA MUKALA
