The military chief of the AFC/M23 rebel movement, Gen. Sultan Makenga, has personally moved to the frontline in Rubaya, a strategic mining town in Masisi territory, North Kivu, as fighting intensifies in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

His deployment comes after the Congolese army (FARDC) and its allies announced plans to swiftly retake Rubaya, home to one of the world’s most significant coltan deposits.

The area has been under M23 control for over a year and is estimated to account for roughly 15 percent of global coltan production.

Despite the town remaining in M23 hands, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi is reported to have included Rubaya’s mining interests in broader agreements with the United States. In return, Kinshasa has sought Washington’s support in reclaiming territory held by the rebels.

The United States has already signed security cooperation agreements with the Congolese government. In eastern Congo, American private security contractors linked to Blackwater, a company founded by Erik Prince, are reportedly operating alongside Congolese forces.

Gen Makenga and other senior commanders traveled to Rubaya to confront what they describe as a coalition of forces backing FARDC’s campaign to retake areas previously seized by the group. In recent days, government troops have reportedly advanced in several locations.

“Following heavy fighting in areas far from the mining sites, top commanders led by Gen. Sultan Makenga, Brig. Gen. Gaceri, and Col. Gakufe Japhet have arrived in Rubaya. Local residents say their presence is giving hope of peace,” AFC/M23 said in a statement posted on X.

Social media accounts tracking the conflict report that FARDC, supported by Burundian forces (FNDB), local militia fighters known as Wazalendo, and Blackwater contractors, are engaged in fierce battles aimed at capturing the Rubaya mines.

The situation remains volatile as both sides appear determined to control one of the most economically and strategically valuable areas in the region.