The M23 rebel group on Thursday rejected allegations that its fighters looted more than 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) of gold from Twangiza Mining’s concession in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The mining firm, which operates in South Kivu province – an area largely controlled by M23 – said earlier this week that the group had “secretly transported the gold through underground channels.”
The company also accused the rebels of working with Rwandan technicians to extract geological data in preparation for restarting and expanding mining operations.
Rwanda has repeatedly denied supporting M23, even as U.N. experts and several Western and regional governments continue to allege Kigali’s involvement with the rebel movement.
At a news conference Thursday, Corneille Nangaa, leader of a rebel alliance that includes M23, said the mine was not in operation and that only artisanal miners were working there.
