Families in Uncertainty After Deadly Landslide as Rebels Block Access

Rubaya, March 5, 2026 - Two days after a deadly landslide struck the Kasasa coltan mining site in the Rubaya mining area of Masisi territory, North Kivu, the exact death toll remains unclear as search operations continue under challenging conditions. Local sources report that access to the site has been blocked by AFC/M23 rebels, who currently control this strategic mining area. This restriction prevents families and residents from obtaining information about loved ones who may still be buried under the rubble. Sources also indicate that anyone attempting to publicly discuss the incident or provide details risks arrest, heightening anxiety and fear among the local population. Residents believe the rebels are deliberately trying to restrict the flow of information regarding the disaster. Despite these obstacles, search efforts at the site continue, though conditions remain difficult and dangerous, leaving communities in deep uncertainty over the full extent of the tragedy.