The M23 rebel faction, reportedly supported by Rwanda, has successfully taken control of Rubaya, a pivotal mining town in the eastern part of Congo that is rich in a vital mineral needed for smartphone manufacturing.

This strategic acquisition was announced by the rebels in a statement on Thursday, highlighting the ongoing tension in the region.

Rubaya is renowned for its deposits of coltan, a mineral essential to the global technology industry, particularly in the production of smartphones and other electronic devices.

The seizure of Rubaya by M23 rebels poses a significant threat to the supply chain of critical minerals used in the tech industry worldwide.

Experts believe that this takeover could lead to disruptions in the production of electronics, potentially causing prices to spike in international markets.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the restoration of security in the mining areas.

The incident underscores the fragility of the supply chains that global technology depends on, highlighting the complex interplay between natural resource management and regional stability.