Disaster in Congo landslide, death toll feared to reach 200

A catastrophic landslide has struck a mining site in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is under the control of armed militias, raising fears that at least 200 people may have perished.

The DRC government issued a statement on Sunday, 1 February, confirming the incident. AFP reported the development from the capital, Kinshasa. Authorities have mobilised emergency response teams, but the region’s challenging terrain and ongoing insecurity are severely hampering rescue operations.

Eastern Congo has long been a flashpoint of armed conflict and militia activity, largely driven by the area’s vast mineral wealth. Since 2021, the M23 rebel group has re-emerged as a dominant force, seizing control over large swathes of territory. Their activities have disrupted local governance and contributed to chronic instability in North Kivu and surrounding provinces.

In April 2024, with support reportedly from Rwanda, M23 took control of the Rubaya mining site in North Kivu. The area is known for artisanal mining operations, particularly for tin, tungsten, and tantalum—minerals essential to the global electronics industry. These small-scale mines often operate under extremely hazardous conditions, with inadequate safety protocols, leaving miners vulnerable to disasters such as landslides and collapses.

Local humanitarian organisations have warned that the official death toll could rise as rescue operations continue and more workers are accounted for. Families in nearby villages are in a state of shock, many searching desperately for missing relatives.

Contextual Overview: Eastern DRC Mining and Conflict

The DRC government has called for international assistance, urging humanitarian agencies and foreign partners to provide emergency relief and technical support. Meanwhile, local authorities are appealing for calm and cooperation from the militia groups controlling the area, highlighting the urgent need for secure access to the affected site.

This tragic incident underscores the dual crises facing eastern Congo: the exploitation of mineral wealth under armed control and the persistent threat to human life posed by unsafe mining practices. Observers stress that without strengthened regulation and security, such disasters are likely to recur, perpetuating the cycle of loss and instability in the region.