KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — The Democratic Republic of Congo announced Monday the establishment of a specialized paramilitary unit designed to protect its extensive mining sector, supported by financial backing from the United States and United Arab Emirates as Washington seeks to secure access to essential minerals during ongoing peace efforts in the unstable eastern regions.
According to a statement from the central African nation’s General Inspectorate of Mines, the new security force will be rolled out in phases, with between 2,500 and 3,000 officers expected to begin operations by December after completing six months of military training and cooperation.
Officials project the paramilitary unit will expand to exceed 20,000 personnel spread across Congo’s 22 mining provinces by 2028’s conclusion, designed to enhance investor trust and strengthen government supervision of mineral extraction activities.
The initiative carries a $100 million price tag supported through collaborative agreements with the United States and United Arab Emirates, according to the official statement.
The Democratic Republic of Congo serves as a significant source of coltan, a metallic mineral containing tantalum, an essential element used in manufacturing smartphones, computers and aircraft engines.
The expansive nation has historically faced challenges with illegal mineral smuggling and persistent security threats, especially in eastern territories where conflicts between government troops and Rwanda-supported insurgents have claimed thousands of lives and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.
The Congolese president seeks to “clean up the entire mining sector, by eliminating practices that run counter to good governance, transparency and the traceability of minerals,” stated Rafael Kabengele, the inspector general of mines.
This paramilitary unit will assume security responsibilities currently handled by traditional military units. Their duties will encompass protecting mining locations, providing security escorts for mineral transportation to processing centers and border checkpoints, and safeguarding international investments.
The United States is working to diminish China’s control over essential mineral supply networks. Congo and America established a minerals partnership agreement last year that resulted in American company Virtus Minerals acquiring copper-cobalt mining operation Chemaf. Additional Western corporations have shown interest, including facilities situated in rebel-controlled areas.
The Democratic Republic of Congo generated approximately 40% of global coltan production in 2023, based on U.S. Geological Survey data. Over 15% of worldwide tantalum supplies originate from the rebel-controlled Rubaya mining operations in the eastern region.
Eastern Congo has experienced recurring crises for decades, with numerous armed factions remaining active throughout the area.
In the previous year, Congo and Rwanda’s governments agreed to a peace accord facilitated by the United States, which simultaneously provided American government and business access to critical mineral resources.
Discussions between M23 insurgents and Congo continue, though combat persists across multiple eastern battlefronts.
