President Félix Tshisekedi orders immediate end to illegal militarization of mining sites in DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a decisive step to strengthen governance in its critical mining sector. President Félix Tshisekedi has instructed the government to implement urgent measures to eliminate all unauthorized military and police presence on mining sites across the country.

During the 94th Council of Ministers meeting held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the African Union City in Kinshasa, the Head of State emphasized the strategic importance of the mining sector for the nation’s economic development. He stressed the need to enhance transparency, credibility, and compliance with international standards in mineral resource management.

Addressing persistent security challenges in mining zones

Reports of persistent military and police presence on mining sites have prompted President Tshisekedi to take firm action. In his capacity as guarantor of the nation, he reiterated the strict prohibition of any unauthorized occupation or intervention by military or security forces on mining exploitation sites, except in legally authorized missions under competent authority.

The President highlighted the negative consequences of such practices, stating:

“This situation fosters negative perceptions of our natural resource governance, weakens control mechanisms, facilitates illicit circuits, and undermines government efforts toward responsible, transparent exploitation that meets international standards.”

He warned that allowing such actions to continue would severely damage the state’s authority, the country’s image, the credibility of ongoing reforms in the mining sector, and investor confidence both nationally and internationally.

Consequences and immediate actions required

President Tshisekedi outlined the severe repercussions of illegal militarization of mining sites, including:

• Deprivation of peaceful enjoyment of mining rights by legitimate operators
• Increased insecurity in exploitation zones
• Intimidation, harassment, and extortion against state services, mining operators, and local communities
• Disruption of supply chains and mineral traceability
• Facilitation of fraud networks, smuggling, and illicit enrichment

In response, the President issued immediate instructions to key security officials, including:

• The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Security, Decentralization, and Customary Affairs
• The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs
• The Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC)
• The Commissioner General of the National Police (PNC)

These officials were tasked with taking all necessary measures to definitively end illegal militarization of mining sites nationwide, with immediate implementation.

The authorities are now required to:

• Ensure immediate withdrawal of unauthorized military and police personnel from mining sites
• Cease all interference by defense and security forces in mining activities
• Secure sites according to legal frameworks
• Dismantle fraud networks and illegal mining operations supported or protected by uniformed personnel

The President also emphasized the need to impose exemplary sanctions on all individuals present irregularly on mining sites.

Strengthening governance and accountability

This decisive action follows previous measures taken in 2022, when the government ordered the withdrawal of military and police personnel from artisanal mining sites following widespread reports of irregularities. At that time, authorities justified the decision by citing numerous disturbances in artisanal mining zones, where security personnel without official missions occupied sites while some mine police officials allegedly facilitated illicit practices.

In addition to the immediate withdrawal measures, President Tshisekedi instructed the government to reinforce control, certification, traceability, and monitoring mechanisms throughout mineral supply chains. This is to ensure compliance with both national and international requirements while protecting the rights of legally established operators and local communities.

The DRC’s abundant mineral resources, including critical minerals essential to global supply chains, demand robust governance frameworks. The President’s latest directives aim to restore confidence in the sector while ensuring that mineral wealth contributes transparently to national development.

Photo: Raw cobalt ore in a DRC mining site