Raw cobalt in a DRC mine
  • Politics

During a pivotal session of the Council of Ministers held on Friday, 10 July 2026 at the African Union City in Kinshasa, President Félix Tshisekedi issued a firm directive to government officials: end all unauthorized military and police presence on mining sites across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Head of State emphasized that the DRC’s vast mineral reserves—critical to global supply chains—demand rigorous governance, transparency, and credibility to attract investment and uphold international standards. Recent reports have highlighted persistent issues of military and police personnel illegally occupying or interfering with mining operations, undermining these objectives.

a threat to national stability and economic credibility

The President condemned the militarization of mining sites, which he described as fostering negative perceptions of the country’s governance, enabling illicit activities, and compromising the integrity of mineral supply chains. « Such practices erode investor confidence, distort resource management, and perpetuate cycles of corruption and instability, » Tshisekedi stated, according to the official government communiqué.

He underscored the direct consequences of these actions: intimidation of legitimate operators, extortion, smuggling networks, and the displacement of local communities—all of which destabilize the sector and tarnish the DRC’s reputation on the global stage.

a call for immediate action

The President instructed key security officials—the Vice Prime Minister in charge of Internal Affairs, the Vice Prime Minister for National Defense, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces (FARDC), and the National Police Commissioner—to take immediate, decisive measures to remove all unauthorized personnel from mining sites. These measures include:

  • Immediate withdrawal of military and police from mining operations;
  • Cessation of all unauthorized security interference in mining activities;
  • Enforcement of legal frameworks to secure mining sites;
  • Dismantling of fraud networks linked to illegal mining operations.

The President also stressed the need for exemplary penalties against individuals found illegally occupying mining sites, signaling zero tolerance for such misconduct.

reinforcing transparency and accountability

This directive builds on previous government efforts to curb irregularities in the mining sector. In 2022, authorities ordered the withdrawal of military and police from artisanal mining sites after widespread reports of abuse, extortion, and fraud—particularly in the Grand Katanga region. At the time, officials cited the need to restore order, curb illegal exploitation, and prevent foreign interests from profiting at the expense of local communities and legitimate operators.

The DRC’s mining sector has long been scrutinized for its vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement. The military and police have been repeatedly accused of facilitating illicit activities, including smuggling and trafficking, often in collusion with external actors. These systemic issues have repeatedly drawn criticism from international partners and investors, who emphasize the need for robust oversight and adherence to global standards.

The President’s latest intervention sends a clear message: the DRC is committed to reforming its mining governance, ensuring that its vast mineral wealth benefits its people and aligns with international expectations. « The integrity of our resources is non-negotiable. We will not allow a few to undermine the future of our nation, » Tshisekedi affirmed.