president Félix Tshisekedi orders urgent action against illegal militarization of mining sites

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to some of the world’s most critical mineral reserves, has taken a firm stance against the illegal presence of armed forces on mining sites. President Félix Tshisekedi has issued a direct order to government officials to dismantle all unauthorized military and police deployments on these sites nationwide.

Speaking during the 94th session of the Council of Ministers 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 national economic development. He underscored the urgent need to strengthen governance, transparency, and credibility in the sector to restore investor confidence.

His remarks came in response to persistent reports of military and police personnel illegally occupying mining sites across the country. President Tshisekedi, acting as the guarantor of national sovereignty, reiterated the strict prohibition of unauthorized military or security force presence on mining sites, except in cases explicitly authorized by competent authorities within their legal mandates.

« This situation fosters negative perceptions about our natural resource governance, weakens control mechanisms, and facilitates illicit networks, undermining our efforts toward responsible, transparent mining that meets international standards, » he stated, according to the official government communiqué.

The President warned that such actions severely damage the authority of the state, the country’s image, and investor trust. He also highlighted the broader consequences of illegal militarization, including the disruption of mining operations, intimidation of legitimate operators, and the facilitation of smuggling and illicit enrichment.

In his directive, President Tshisekedi instructed the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), and the Inspector General of the National Police to take immediate and decisive action. Their mandate includes the immediate withdrawal of unauthorized personnel from mining sites, cessation of interference by defense and security forces in mining activities, and dismantling of networks supporting illegal mining operations.

He further stressed the need for exemplary sanctions against individuals illegally present on mining sites and called for strengthened mechanisms to monitor, certify, and track mineral supply chains in compliance with national and international standards. This move aims to protect the rights of legitimate operators and local communities while ensuring the traceability and legality of extracted minerals.

This directive follows previous government efforts to curb illegal military presence in mining operations. In 2022, authorities ordered the withdrawal of military and police personnel from artisanal mining sites in the Grand Katanga region after widespread reports of abuse, including extortion and fraud. At the time, authorities attributed the decision to the rampant disorder and corruption linked to unauthorized security force involvement in mining activities.

The DRC’s mining sector has long been plagued by governance challenges, with illegal military and police presence cited as a major obstacle to sustainable and ethical mineral extraction. President Tshisekedi’s latest intervention signals a renewed commitment to restoring order, transparency, and accountability in one of the country’s most vital economic sectors.