The takeover of Goma is yet another territorial gain for the rebel groups, including M23 and also a swift expansion of the groups's foothold across swathes of eastern DR Congo where rare minerals crucial to the production of phones and computers are mined. For several months, the rebels have also controlled Rubaya, a mining town in North Kivu that harbors one of the world’s largest coltan deposits. This valuable mineral is used in the production of mobile phones, computers and other electronic equipments.

According to the United Nations, coltan trade from the M23-controlled Rubaya mining site is estimated to supply over 15 percent of global tantalum production, and generates an estimated $300,000 in revenue per month to the armed group. At least 150 tons of coltan were fraudulently exported to Rwanda and mixed with Rwandan production.

Congolese President alleges Rwanda is destabilizing Congo by backing the M23 rebels. U.N. experts, along with the U.S. State Department and France have also accused Rwanda of backing the rebels. Rwanda denies the claims.

Strategic minerals are fuelling the decades long conflict in eastern DR Congo that has produced one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Many rebel groups are accused of carrying out mass killings, rapes and other human rights violations. Thousands of civilians have been displaced and left in dire need of food, clean water, medicine, etc.