Gold miner Twangiza Mining SA has accused M23 rebels of forcing its employees to work without pay under harsh and unsafe conditions at a mine seized in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a statement released Friday, the company said its South Kivu site had been “entirely controlled” by individuals linked to M23, a Rwanda-backed rebel group that has staged a rapid territorial advance this year across eastern Congo. The mine’s workers, it added, are “held in captivity, forced to work in inhuman conditions, without any security measure, remuneration or medical coverage.”

Reuters could not independently verify these claims. M23 and Congo’s government did not respond to requests for comment.

Mine Taken Over by Alleged ‘New Investors’

Twangiza said the site is now being exploited by “a group of Rwandan nationals who, working with M23 and claiming to be new investors, have been treating our employees like slaves deprived of all protection.” It stated that production has been paralyzed since the takeover.

Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo denied any involvement, saying, “Rwanda is not involved in this situation, and the accusations against Rwandan citizens are without basis.”

Tax Dispute and Mining Suspension

The company was ordered to halt operations in May following accusations by M23 that it had failed to pay local taxes. Since then, control over the site has reportedly shifted completely into rebel hands.

The incident unfolds amid renewed international mediation efforts. Rwanda and Congo recently signed a U.S.-brokered peace deal, while Qatar continues to host separate talks between Congo’s government and M23.

Conflict and Mineral Control

M23’s resurgence has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands and intensified battles over control of resource-rich territories. Congo, the U.N., and Western powers accuse Rwanda of militarily backing the rebel group to influence eastern Congo’s gold, cobalt, and lithium reserves—allegations Rwanda denies.