DRC launches US and UAE-backed paramilitary force to secure mining sector
President Tshisekedi's initiative aims to restore governance and traceability in the mining industry through a new security architecture funded by Washington and Abu Dhabi
The General Inspectorate of Mines (IGM) has announced the establishment of a new paramilitary unit, designated as the "mining guard," to secure the Democratic Republic of the Congo's mining sites and mineral transport routes. This strategic move represents a significant shift in governance for the East African nation, which holds roughly 70 per cent of the global output of cobalt, alongside vast deposits of copper, coltan, and lithium. The unit is designed to operate under the direct supervision of the IGM across the country's 22 mining provinces.
Funding for this initiative comes from a partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, with a total investment of $100 million pledged to support the programme. The IGM stated that the force will be responsible for securing the entire mineral exploitation chain, addressing the security challenges posed by rebel groups that have long sought control over the region's resource wealth. This external backing aligns with a broader minerals partnership signed between the DRC and Washington last year, under which the US firm Virtus Minerals has assumed control of the Chemaf mine.
President Felix Tshisekedi has framed the creation of the guard as a necessary step to clean up the mining sector and eliminate practices that undermine good governance. The inspector general of mines, Rafael Kabengele, emphasised that the primary objectives are to ensure transparency and establish a robust system for mineral traceability. By integrating a dedicated security force into the operational framework, the administration aims to reduce the influence of armed groups and counter the historical dominance of Chinese mining firms in the country.
The deployment strategy involves a gradual rollout of a workforce exceeding 20,000 guards. Recruits will undergo a six-month training programme before being assigned to their posts, with the first contingent expected to be deployed in December. The full deployment across all relevant mining provinces is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028. This timeline suggests a long-term institutional approach to stabilising the sector, rather than a temporary security measure.
The announcement coincides with a December agreement between the DRC and Rwanda aimed at ending conflict in the eastern part of the country. While the new paramilitary unit focuses on internal security and supply chain integrity, the regional accord addresses the broader geopolitical instability that has plagued the eastern provinces. The combination of these initiatives signals a concerted effort to secure strategic mineral supplies for Western interests while attempting to bring order to a region long mired in violence and illicit trafficking.
