By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced the creation of a new paramilitary unit to secure mining sites across the country, which is rich in critical minerals.
According to the General Inspectorate of Mines (IGM), the new unit known as the “Mining Guard” is designed as a special paramilitary force to protect the entire mineral exploitation chain.
The DRC produces about 70% of the world’s cobalt, a key material used in electric batteries and defence technology, and also holds major deposits of copper, coltan, and lithium. Chinese mining companies currently dominate the sector, alongside firms from the United States and other countries.
The IGM said the initiative, with an estimated funding of $100 million, forms part of strategic partnerships with the United States and the United Arab Emirates, although it did not disclose specific financing details.
Meanwhile, the move comes as the DRC and Rwanda continue efforts to ease tensions in eastern Congo, where conflict involving the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has escalated.
