Governance - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC Prime Minister Seeks WTO Support for Economic Transformation

February 28, 2025February 28, 2025 Constance

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of her push to address the crisis in eastern DRC and advocate for stronger sanctions against Rwanda for ongoing atrocities. On the sidelines of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Prime Minister Suminwa met with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to discuss strategies for transforming the Congolese economy and accelerating the country’s development agenda. “The DRC is at a turning point for its development,” Suminwa stated. “We need greater… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance Regional conflict

EU Reassesses MoU with Rwanda Amid Growing DRC Conflict

February 27, 2025February 27, 2025 Constance

On February 24, 2025, the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council announced a review of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rwanda, originally signed in February 2024. This decision, made public by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, is part of broader EU efforts to press Rwanda to respect the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kallas, who is also Vice-President of the European Commission, stated, “Consultations on defense issues with Rwanda have been suspended. There is also a political decision to apply sanctions, depending on developments on the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

DRC Prime Minister Advocates for Sanctions Against Rwanda at UN Human Rights Council

February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 Constance

On Monday, February 24, 2025, Prime Minister and Head of Government, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, addressed the High-Level Segment of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, Switzerland. Representing President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, Prime Minister Suminwa led a Congolese delegation that included the Minister of Human Rights, Chantal Chambu Mwavita, the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, and the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Grâce Yamba Kazadi. During her speech, Prime Minister Suminwa expressed gratitude for the swift processing of the DRC Government’s request last… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

President Tshisekedi Attends Munich Security Conference Amid Regional Tensions

February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 Constance

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) arrived in Germany on Thursday, February 13, 2025, to participate in the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC), running from February 14 to 16, 2025. He is accompanied by First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi. The conference brings together heads of state, ministers, and leaders of international organizations to discuss key geopolitical and strategic challenges. This year’s agenda will focus on the security and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, following the offensive by the Rwandan army and M23 rebels on Goma.… Read More Here

Governance

Angola’s President Takes AU Helm Amid Rising Regional Crises

February 16, 2025February 16, 2025 Constance

Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço officially assumed the rotating presidency of the African Union (AU) for 2025 on Saturday, February 15, succeeding Mauritania’s Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani. The transition took place during the opening of the 38th AU Summit at the organization’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In a formal ceremony attended by several heads of state, outgoing AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, and other dignitaries, Lourenço received the symbolic gavel from Ghazouani, signifying his leadership role at the continental level until February 2026. According to an official… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Events & Expos Governance

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Urges Responsible Mining at African Mining Indaba

February 6, 2025February 6, 2025 Constance

On Monday, January 3, Judith Suminwa, the head of the Congolese government, participated in the opening of the 31st edition of the Investing in African Mining Indaba, held virtually from Cape Town, South Africa. This year’s forum, with the theme “Preparing the Future of the Mining Industry Today,” brought together industry leaders and stakeholders from across the globe. In her address, Prime Minister Suminwa emphasized the importance of responsible mining, stating, “Mining must be a lever for sustainable development, not a burden for future generations.” She urged African leaders to… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Events & Expos Governance

DRC Prime Minister Calls for Global Action Against Illicit Mineral Exploitation

February 6, 2025February 6, 2025 Constance

At the 31st edition of the Investing in African Mining Indaba, held on February 3, 2025, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka condemned the international community’s inaction in curbing the looting of Congolese mining resources, which continues to fuel armed conflicts in the country’s east. As Africa’s top copper producer and the world’s leading supplier of cobalt, the DRC plays a vital role in the global energy transition. However, rampant illegal mining strips the country of crucial revenues while exacerbating regional instability. The situation in the… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

DRC Prime Minister Engages IGF to Strengthen Public Finance Oversight

February 6, 2025February 6, 2025 Constance

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka met with a delegation from the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), led by Inspector General Jules Alingete Key, to discuss strengthening financial oversight and reducing public sector expenses. This meeting aligns with President Félix Tshisekedi’s directive for the government to implement strict cost-cutting measures to ease the financial burden on public institutions. Prime Minister Suminwa emphasized the IGF’s critical role in ensuring fiscal discipline and supervising expenditure in line with the President’s instructions. At the conclusion of the meeting, Alingete commended the Prime Minister’s commitment… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

President Tshisekedi Pushes for Mineral Traceability to Curb Armed Group Funding in the DRC

January 19, 2025January 19, 2025 Constance

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) addressed ambassadors accredited to the country on Saturday, January 18, 2025, highlighting government initiatives to improve the traceability of “strategic” minerals from the eastern region. In his speech, President Tshisekedi underscored the importance of transparency and certification mechanisms aimed at ensuring Congolese natural resources truly benefit the nation. “In 2024, we intensified efforts to strengthen the traceability of our minerals with the support of international partners. We have also initiated discussions on implementing transparency and certification mechanisms to ensure our… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Governance

DRC Minister Receives Report Exposing South Kivu Mining Violations

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Minister of Mines, Kizito Pakabomba, received a detailed report on January 8, 2025, from the Special Commission tasked with assessing the compliance of mining activities in South Kivu. After 15 days of rigorous investigations, the Commission reviewed operations of 18 out of 30 mining companies summoned by the Ministry of Mines. The report uncovered significant violations of the Mining Code and regulations, including: Minister Pakabomba commended the Commission for its thorough work and reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to fostering sustainable and lawful mining practices.… Read More Here