Governance - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Senegal President Faye Appoints Ally Sonko as Prime Minister

April 3, 2024April 3, 2024 Constance

Senegal’s political landscape witnessed a significant shift as newly inaugurated President Bassirou Diomaye Faye wasted no time in making his mark. In his inaugural act, President Faye appointed firebrand politician and key supporter Ousmane Sonko as prime minister. Sonko, known for his outspokenness and popularity among the youth, has been a vocal critic of former President Macky Sall. Despite being barred from the recent presidential election due to a defamation conviction, Sonko maintains his innocence. Throughout the campaign, he rallied support under the banner “Diomaye is Sonko,” urging voters to… Read More Here

International Governance

Bassirou Diomaye Faye: Senegal’s Unexpected Path to Presidential Victory

March 29, 2024March 29, 2024 Constance

Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s ascension from relative obscurity to Senegal’s presidency marks a remarkable chapter in the nation’s political landscape. Once a tax collector with no political aspirations, Faye’s journey captivates amid a tumultuous period in Senegalese politics, culminating in his historic win as Africa’s youngest elected president. Nicknamed “Mr. Clean,” Faye’s rise follows a turbulent narrative, including a stint in jail alongside his ally and influential figure, Ousmane Sonko. Released just before the presidential election, Faye swiftly captured the attention of the nation with promises of sweeping reforms. Described as… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

South Sudan President in DRC for Regional Peace Tour

March 26, 2024March 26, 2024 Constance

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir embarked on a diplomatic mission to ease tensions and foster cooperation in East Africa, meeting with his counterpart, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In his capacity as Chairperson of the East African Community, President Kiir visited the DRC on March 25, aiming to address tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. Presidential Press Secretary Lily Adhieu Martin emphasized that this visit is part of President Kiir’s ongoing regional peace tour, seeking to diplomatically engage countries to mitigate tensions along their borders.… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

ARSP Funds $10,000 for ‘Makala Eco’ Biodegradable Waste Recycling Project

March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 Constance

The “Makala Eco” Project, designed to recycle biodegradable waste into a sustainable energy source, received a funding of $10,000 from the Private Sector Subcontracting Regulatory Authority (ARSP). The project was adopted during a conference held at the University of Kinshasa on March 19, 2024. The initiative aims to repurpose organic waste like banana flowers, sugar cane, and corn cob leaves into a valuable energy resource. Through carbonization, these waste materials are transformed into a paste that serves as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels. Students behind the “Makala Eco” project… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

SADC Pledges Support for Peace and Stability in DRC and Mozambique

March 23, 2024March 23, 2024 Constance

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing diplomatic and military assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique in their efforts to address ongoing violence and unrest. During the summit, SADC member states pledged their unwavering support to the governments of the DRC and Mozambique, aiming to achieve lasting peace, stability, and security in the region. The summit’s communique, delivered by SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi, lauded troop-contributing countries and commended the dedication of personnel deployed in the SADC Missions in Mozambique (SAMIM)… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Governance Mining in DRC

President Felix Tshisekedi Attends SADC Summit in Lusaka to Address DRC Security Issues

March 23, 2024March 23, 2024 Constance

President Felix Tshisekedi arrived in Lusaka, Zambia, on Saturday 23rd March to attend the extraordinary summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) focused on security issues in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique. The summit brings together a dozen Heads of State representing the Troika of the Body, consisting of Zambia, Tanzania, and Namibia, as well as the SADC Troika composed of Angola, Zimbabwe, and the DRC. Additionally, Personnel Contributing Countries to the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SADC) and the SADC Mission in… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

Governor Christophe Nangaa salutes the prowess of the ARSP in his province

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 Constance

In Haut-Uélé’s town of Doko, Miguel Kashal, Director General of the Regulatory Authority for the control of subcontracting in the private sector (ARSP), met with Governor Christophe Nangaa Baseane to discuss subcontracting and ARSP’s initiatives. Governor Baseane expressed full support for Kashal’s efforts to involve local entrepreneurs in Kibali Gold mining’s value chain, a subsidiary of the Barrick Group. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that subcontracting benefits the province and its residents. In response, Kashal highlighted the importance of transparency and ensuring that the local population benefits from the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

DRC Targets Local Ownership in Subcontracting

March 17, 2024March 17, 2024 Constance

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Regulatory Authority for the Control of Subcontracting in the Private Sector (ARSP) currently registers 15,000 subcontracting companies. Director General Miguel Kashal Katemb announced plans to increase this number to 50,000 to 60,000 by the end of 2024 during a briefing with Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya. Efforts are underway to ensure that Congolese businesses secure significant contracts, particularly in the mining sector, according to Kashal. Since 2017, the ARSP has enforced laws requiring subcontracting to be predominantly owned by Congolese… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

President Tshisekedi Meets British Minister to Discuss Eastern DRC Security

March 15, 2024March 15, 2024 Constance

President Félix Tshisekedi met on Wednesday at the African Union City with a British delegation led by Richard Henry Ronald Benyon, Britain’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Environment and Climate. The security crisis in the east of the country was among the topics discussed. “We want to help the DRC find solutions to this terrible situation. We will use all channels of communication to focus on peace in the DRC,” Lord Benyon said. In addition, Lord Benyon reiterated the UK’s commitment to creating a mutually beneficial partnership with the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance News in Brief

ARSP Cancels Three Subcontracts Worth US$1 Billion Due to Legal Violations

March 14, 2024March 14, 2024 Constance

The Regulatory Authority for Public Procurement (ARSP) has taken decisive action by canceling three subcontract agreements, valued at over US$1 billion collectively, for violations of the law. Among the affected companies are RSN (CREC 7, CREC 9) and International Fourteenth First Congo SARL, both affiliated with SICOMINES shareholders, who were operating as subcontractors for excavation projects within the main company. The third company facing sanctions is BANGDE CONSTRUCTION. These cancellations come as a response to these subcontractors’ failure to comply with legal requirements. Their combined contracts exceeded the stipulated limit,… Read More Here