President Félix Tshisekedi demands immediate end to illegal military presence in mining sites
- Politics
The Democratic Republic of Congo, a key player in global critical mineral supply chains, faces renewed scrutiny as President Félix Tshisekedi issues a firm directive to end illegal military presence in its mining operations.
President Takes Decisive Action Against Illegal Mining Site Occupations
During the 94th Council of Ministers meeting at the African Union City in Kinshasa, President Félix Tshisekedi addressed persistent reports of illegal military and police presence on mining sites across the country. The Head of State emphasized the strategic importance of the mining sector for national economic development and stressed the urgent need to strengthen governance, transparency, and international credibility.
Following multiple reports of unauthorized military and police personnel occupying mining sites, President Tshisekedi reiterated the strict prohibition against such activities unless explicitly authorized by competent authorities within their legal mandates. The President highlighted the damaging consequences of these irregularities:
“This situation fosters negative perceptions of our natural resource governance, weakens control mechanisms, fuels illicit circuits, and undermines efforts toward responsible, transparent mining that meets international standards.”
The President warned that such actions gravely compromise state authority, national image, reform credibility, and investor confidence. He further noted that illegal militarization of mining sites leads to:
- Deprivation of peaceful enjoyment of mining rights by legitimate operators
- Increased insecurity in mining zones
- Intimidation, harassment, and extortion against state services, miners, and local communities
- Disruptions in supply chains and mineral traceability
- Facilitation of fraud, smuggling, and illicit enrichment networks
Immediate Measures Ordered
President Tshisekedi instructed the Vice Prime Minister and Ministers of Interior, Defense, and the General Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, along with the National Police Commissioner, to take immediate action to:
- Remove all illegally present military and police personnel from mining sites nationwide
- Cease all unauthorized interference by security forces in mining operations
- Secure mining sites in accordance with legal frameworks
- Dismantle fraud networks and illegal mining operations supported or protected by uniformed personnel
- Apply exemplary sanctions against all irregularly present individuals
The President also called for strengthened control, certification, traceability, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with national and international standards while protecting the rights of legitimate operators and local communities.
Historical Context and Previous Interventions
This directive follows similar measures taken in 2022 when the government ordered the withdrawal of military and police from artisanal mining sites after widespread reports of irregularities. At the time, authorities justified the decision by citing numerous disturbances in artisanal mining zones, where off-duty personnel occupied sites, and some Mine Police officers were accused of facilitating fraudulent practices.
The government’s renewed commitment reflects its determination to restore integrity to the mining sector and align it with international best practices.