Demilitarization of Mining Sites: What Are the Implementation Measures?

A directive from the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo mandates the immediate withdrawal of military and police from mining sites, shifting their focus to national defense and public security. The commander of the 22nd Military Region in Haut-Katanga has ordered his elements to comply.

However, the situation is inconsistent across different regions. While uniformed personnel have departed from some mining exploitation areas, civil society groups in Lualaba report their continued visible presence in other mining perimeters. This presence has persisted for nearly a decade, with reports indicating an increase in military and police numbers over time.

To address this ongoing issue, national lawmaker Georges Bokondu has put forth several proposals. These include a comprehensive census of all military personnel stationed at mining sites. He also advocates for the interrogation of commanders who assign soldiers to these locations.

Furthermore, Bokondu suggests that in cases of resistance to the withdrawal order, responsible officials should face military justice. The persistence of security forces in mining areas has been a long-standing concern, impacting the intended separation of duties between security and resource extraction.