President Tshisekedi Cracks Down on Illegal Military Presence in Congo’s Mining Sites

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) stands at a critical juncture as President Félix Tshisekedi has issued a firm directive to government authorities to eradicate all unauthorized military and security force presence from the nation’s mineral-rich mining sites. This decisive move underscores the President’s commitment to restoring integrity, transparency, and operational legitimacy across Congo’s vital mining sector.

Government Accountability and Sectoral Integrity

Addressing members of his cabinet during the 94th Council of Ministers meeting held in the Cité de l’Union africaine on Friday, July 10, 2026, President Tshisekedi emphasized the strategic importance of the mining industry to national economic development. He stressed that any form of illegal militarization of mining operations undermines the country’s credibility on the global stage and compromises investor confidence.

Consequences of Unchecked Military Occupation

The President highlighted severe repercussions stemming from the persistent presence of uniformed personnel—including military and national police—on mining sites without proper authorization. These include:

• Erosion of state authority and national reputation
• Undermining of legal reforms aimed at fostering responsible mining practices
• Disruption of mineral supply chains and loss of traceability
• Facilitation of illicit networks engaged in fraud, smuggling, and embezzlement
• Intimidation and extortion against legitimate operators and local communities

“The illegal militarization of mining sites not only deprives legitimate operators of their rights but also fosters an environment of insecurity and corruption. This directly contradicts our national objectives of transparency and sustainable development,” stated President Tshisekedi during the ministerial session.

Immediate Action Plan

In response to these concerns, the Head of State has mandated the following immediate measures:

• Immediate withdrawal of all unauthorized military and police personnel from mining sites
• Cease all interference by security forces in mining operations unless authorized by competent authorities
• Strengthen regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with national and international mining standards
• Dismantle networks of illegal exploitation supported or protected by uniformed personnel
• Enforce stringent penalties against individuals found to be involved in irregular activities on mining sites

The President has tasked the Vice Prime Minister for Interior, Security, Decentralization, and Customary Affairs, the Vice Prime Minister for National Defense and Veterans Affairs, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces (FARDC), and the National Police Commissioner with executing these directives without delay.

Historical Context and Persistent Challenges

This directive is not the first of its kind. In 2022, similar measures were ordered to remove military and police personnel from artisanal mining sites, following widespread reports of abuse and irregularities. At that time, authorities cited fraudulent practices, including collusion with foreign operators, particularly from China, to justify the intervention.

Despite previous efforts, challenges persist. The illegal presence of security forces on mining sites continues to be a source of concern due to pervasive issues such as extortion, influence peddling, and the exploitation of mineral resources by clandestine networks. These actions not only siphon off national wealth but also perpetuate cycles of poverty and instability in mining communities.

Towards a Transparent and Responsible Mining Sector

President Tshisekedi’s latest directive aligns with broader national objectives to enhance the governance of the DRC’s vast mineral resources. By clamping down on illegal militarization, the government aims to:

• Restore confidence among domestic and international investors
• Ensure the traceability and legality of mineral exports
• Protect the rights of local communities and legitimate operators
• Promote sustainable and ethical mining practices

The President’s intervention sends a clear message: the DRC is determined to reclaim control over its natural resources and position itself as a responsible and credible player in the global mining industry.