Military withdrawal from mining sites: NGO Justicia demands 'real political will'

The human rights NGO Justicia ASBL has applauded the Congolese government's decision to prohibit any military presence at the country's mining sites. However, the organization stresses that this measure requires genuine political commitment to ensure its effective implementation.

Justicia ASBL warns that without a rigorous monitoring mechanism, the government's decision risks becoming another unimplemented decree, similar to past initiatives addressing the same issue. Timothée Mbuya, president of Justicia ASBL, explained that military involvement in mining, particularly for copper and cobalt, has become highly profitable. He noted that military and political figures are drawn to these lucrative permits, often with support from investors providing capital.

Mbuya emphasized that good intentions are insufficient. He stated that true political will necessitates prosecuting all individuals implicated in the vast mafia-like networks that tarnish the country's image. He pointed out that even the Ministry of Justice struggles to prosecute certain high-ranking individuals due to their deep entrenchment in power.

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo recently issued new directives aimed at ending the illegal involvement of uniformed personnel in mining operations within the Democratic Republic of Congo. The announcement was made on Friday, July 10, following a cabinet meeting. The government stated that this measure is intended to strengthen governance in the mining sector, combat fraud, and ensure that natural resource exploitation adheres to national and international standards.