Regional conflict - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Zambia Temporarily Closes Key Border Crossings with DRC Amid Safety Concerns 1

The Zambian government has temporarily closed three major border crossings with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the Copperbelt, citing safety concerns and the need to protect property amid ongoing protests in the neighboring country. The affected borders—Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakania—are vital trade routes between the two nations. Commerce, Trade, and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga confirmed the closures, emphasizing the decision was made to safeguard Zambian citizens and assets due to the unrest in the DRC. The protests in the DRC, which have intensified over the past ten days,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

U.S. Condemns Illicit Mineral Trade from Conflict Zones in DRC

July 11, 2024July 11, 2024 Constance

On Monday, July 8, the United States condemned the ongoing illegal trade of minerals from conflict zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The State Department emphasized that these natural resources transit through Rwanda and Uganda before reaching other countries for refining. These minerals, including gold and tantalum, are often extracted in artisanal and semi-industrial manners and play a significant role in funding the conflict. “These minerals often benefit armed groups and leave the country via Rwanda and Uganda before being transported to major refining and processing countries,” the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

China Demands Accountability from DRC After Fatal Attack on Chinese Nationals in Ituri

July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 Constance

China has called for accountability from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a tragic incident in Djugu, Ituri province, where six Chinese nationals were killed in a targeted attack by militiamen from the Congo Development Cooperative (CODECO). In a statement issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China urged the Congolese government to swiftly apprehend those responsible for the murders and ensure they face justice for their heinous acts against Chinese citizens. Beijing emphasized the need for the DRC to enhance the protection of all its nationals within Congolese… Read More Here

Gold Mining in DRC Regional conflict Tin

UN Warns Companies of Sanctions Over Conflict Minerals from Central Africa

July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 Constance

Companies sourcing metals from central Africa may face UN sanctions for indirectly supporting the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a report by UN experts. The report highlights that Congo’s trade in gold, tin, and tantalum, a critical mineral used in portable electronics, directly funds armed groups involved in severe human rights abuses. This trade fuels one of the world’s deadliest conflicts. Over the past year, multiple armed groups have taken control of Rubaya, one of the world’s largest tantalum ore sites in Congo, rendering… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance Regional conflict

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Addresses Security Challenges in North Kivu

June 30, 2024June 30, 2024 Constance

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka convened in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, on the evening of Wednesday, June 26, 2024, where she addressed a gathering of representatives from the active forces following a lengthy Provincial Security Council meeting. In her address, Prime Minister Suminwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bolstering the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to tackle the challenges posed by armed groups and Rwandan aggression through its proxies, such as the M23 rebellion. “I extend my tribute not only to our soldiers… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Gold Regional conflict

CODECO Militiamen Kill Over 40 in Ituri Gold Mining Village

June 29, 2024June 29, 2024 Constance

More than forty people were killed in a double incursion by militiamen from the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) from June 20 to 21, 2024, in the village of Bianda, Djugu territory, in the Ituri province. This tragic event was reported by MINES.CD, citing local sources. Dieudonné Lossa, a civil society activist from Ituri, stated that these attacks targeted gold-producing areas, likely for the purpose of exploiting gold. “These attacked areas are where gold mining takes place, and it is possible that it is a strategic move for… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

Militiamen Take Over Abandoned Mining Sites in North Kivu

June 16, 2024June 16, 2024 Constance

Several mining operators were forced to abandon their sites in Mangurujipa, located in the Lubero territory of North Kivu, according to reports received by MINES.CD on Friday, June 14, 2024, from local civil society groups. Local sources indicated that numerous abandoned mining sites have fallen under the control of militiamen, who have increased taxes to the detriment of the operators. “Most mining operators have abandoned their sites due to continuous harassment by Mayi-Mayi militiamen, who also identify themselves as Wazalendo. These militiamen demand significant contributions from the operators, forcing them… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

EU Ambassador Highlights Congolese Origin of Rwanda’s Mineral Exports Amid Rising Tensions

June 9, 2024June 9, 2024 Constance

“All independent reports show that at least 80 percent of the minerals exported by Rwanda are of Congolese origin,” revealed the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during an interview with Human Rights Watch in Kinshasa. This statement comes amidst escalating tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, with both sides leveling accusations against each other. The DRC has long condemned the plundering of its minerals, particularly since the onset of the conflict led by Rwanda under the guise of the M23 rebel group. The… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Regional conflict

South African Peacekeeper Killed in Clashes with M23 Rebels in Eastern DRC

June 1, 2024June 1, 2024 Constance

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the death of one of its peacekeeping soldiers following violent clashes with M23 rebels near the city of Sake in North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The city is located 27 kilometers west of Goma. The SANDF reported that 13 other soldiers were wounded in the intense confrontation with the M23 rebels. The clashes were triggered by an ambush initially launched by the Congolese army (FARDC), to which the M23 rebels retaliated fiercely. “The members of the SANDF came… Read More Here

Governance Mining in DRC Regional conflict

Presidents of DRC and Poland Discuss Security and Bilateral Relations

May 28, 2024May 28, 2024 Constance

Last Friday, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held a telephone conversation with Polish President Andrzej Duda. The discussion focused on topics of mutual interest, including bilateral relations and the security situation in eastern DRC. President Duda, on behalf of Poland, condemned the attempt to destabilize Congolese institutions on Sunday, May 19, in Kinshasa. He reaffirmed Poland’s commitment to peace, security, and the preservation of the DRC’s territorial integrity. Addressing recent social media controversies regarding his visit to Rwanda, President Duda denounced the manipulations and expressed… Read More Here