DR Congo Plans Paramilitary Unit for Mining Site Security
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is establishing a paramilitary unit to secure its mining operations, with a funding commitment of $100 million from the U.S. and UAE. This initiative aims to stabilize production and enhance value capture in a sector critical to the global supply chain for essential minerals.
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The DRC plans to establish a paramilitary unit tasked with securing its mines, mobilizing up to 20,000 personnel by 2028, starting with 3,000 recruits by December. This initiative is backed by $100 million in funding from the United States and the United Arab Emirates, marking a shift in security organization for a vital economic sector.
The unit will replace current security forces, predominantly police and military, and will operate across 22 of the country's 26 provinces, particularly in resource-rich areas like Katanga. The DRC, as the world's leading cobalt producer and second-largest copper producer, faces significant challenges from informal mining activities and social issues, including forced labor among artisanal miners.
The effectiveness of this new force will depend on the government's ability to enhance governance and streamline artisanal mining operations while managing its relationships with international mining companies. This development is critical as the DRC seeks to leverage its mineral resources for economic and strategic advantages amid ongoing regional instability.
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