A drone strike by the FARDC targeted the Twangiza gold mine in South Kivu early this morning, destroying the gas station and power generators on site.
The attack comes just hours before the planned signing of a joint mechanism to monitor the ongoing ceasefire, raising concerns about continued violations and the safety of civilians in the region.
According to local sources, the mine employs several young Congolese civilians, and the coalition overseeing the area emphasizes that the site is not a military target.
Twangiza, a significant gold-producing mine, was formerly owned by Canadian companies but later acquired by Chinese investors.
While Chinese representatives have not been present at the site since May, following the arrival of AFC/M23 forces, the mine continues to operate, and employees have maintained their positions and salaries despite the ongoing conflict.
The strike has drawn condemnation from local observers and humanitarian groups, who warn that attacks on civilian-operated economic sites undermine peace efforts and threaten livelihoods in the region.
This incident underscores the fragile security situation in eastern DRC, where armed confrontations continue despite attempts at implementing ceasefire agreements and monitoring mechanisms.