M23 rebel authorities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have ordered Twangiza Mining, a gold extraction firm, to suspend its operations amid a dispute over unpaid taxes. The directive was issued by the newly established M23 administration in South Kivu Province, which is now under rebel control following recent territorial gains.
A letter dated May 8, signed by Twangiza Mining’s General Director Chao Xianfeng and circulated to staff, confirmed the immediate halt of all activities. The company, managed by Hong Kong-based Shomka Resources, stated that equipment and vehicles would be placed on standby as a result of the suspension.
The shutdown underscores the ongoing power struggle over valuable natural resources in Congo’s conflict-ridden eastern regions, where the M23 rebel group — reportedly backed by Rwanda — has gained control of strategic mining zones. These developments have raised concerns over the future of foreign investments and the impact on global commodity markets.
Manu Birato, recently appointed by M23 as governor of South Kivu, told Reuters that Twangiza Mining had not been contributing taxes to the state and must now comply with new regulations. “We are negotiating with them to make it clear they must begin paying taxes,” Birato said. “Previously, the country received nothing — funds went into private hands.”
Birato emphasized that the rebel administration had not formally shut down the mine but insisted that tax compliance is now mandatory. “They are struggling to adjust to this new reality after operating for so long without oversight,” he added.
Twangiza Mining is a joint venture between Congolese-owned Shomka Capital, which holds a 65.5% stake, and China’s Baiyin International Investments Ltd, which owns the remaining 34.5%. The company has not publicly responded to Birato’s claims.
The developments mark a growing trend of rebel interference in the mineral sector, highlighting the complex intersection of governance, conflict, and resource control in the DRC.