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Obed Mutuale, a Congolese entrepreneur, highlighted illegal mining and child labor issues in Bas-Uélé Province after visiting from January 18 to 25, 2026. He urged the central government to act against unlawful mining, noting the alarming use of children at some sites.

Mutuale indicated that many mining zones operate without effective state oversight. He called for increased military presence and better conditions for security personnel to restore state authority. Additionally, he advocated for a comprehensive government response combining security measures and local development to combat illegal mining and protect children from exploitation. In April 2025, 256 young recruits from Bas-Uélé were sent to Kinshasa for military training as part of national defense efforts.