In eastern DRC, Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) fighters have committed horrific human rights abuses against artisanal miners while facilitating the trafficking of gold and coltan to neighbouring Rwanda with the help of Rwandan authorities. The miners recount horrific encounters with the fighters which include summary killings; torture and ill-treatment; arbitrary detention; forced labour and forced recruitment. In this interview one of the miners tells Amnesty International of his ordeal in a mine shaft in the hands of the M23 fighters. From daily beatings to being left inside the shafts for hours and being denied his rightful wages. This is his story which is replicated across the mines.
Since the last time I spoke with you, the situation has gotten worse. I have a lack of funds that is linked to many things [including] because I was beaten in the mine shaft. Because of the bad conditions [at the mine] I can’t work every day. I now work four times a week. I usually work around five hours a day and I am only paid 5,000 Congolese francs (US$2.17). There are around 120 diggers in each mine shaft. The boss gives the manager money, and he brings food (to diggers). We get one
beignet
[a piece of fried dough] and water for the day.
We’ve seen a lot of things that we can’t forget. The fact we must stay in the mine shaft against our will, the fact our bosses beat us, they beat people and they end up in the hospital.
Miner, DRC
There are Rwandans in the area who sometimes use force against us. When they come, they wear civilian clothes, but when there is an atmosphere of war, they wear military-style uniforms. I’ve seen them change [from civilian clothes to military uniforms] several times. They are my bosses. I work for them.
We’ve seen a lot of things that we can’t forget. The fact we must stay in the mine shaft against our will, the fact our bosses beat us, they beat people and they end up in the hospital.
I was beaten this year. I was in the mi
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