DRC Prime Minister Calls for Global Action Against Illicit Mineral Exploitation
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 eastern DRC has worsened, with the M23 armed group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, occupying Goma. This latest wave of violence has led to 773 deaths, 2,880 injuries, and a massive displacement of civilians.
“Our minerals finance violence instead of supporting our development,” Suminwa lamented, urging for better traceability mechanisms to break this destructive cycle.
Despite ongoing conflict, the Congolese government remains committed to strengthening its mining sector. Key reforms include tax relief measures, regulatory adjustments, and fostering stronger partnerships with industry stakeholders to create a more competitive and sustainable environment.
However, these efforts face significant challenges as long as illicit mineral exploitation continues. The systematic plundering of DRC’s resources, coupled with their illegal sale in foreign markets, raises concerns about international actors’ role in perpetuating economic instability.
The occupation of Goma highlights how economic warfare over strategic minerals translates into human suffering, with local populations bearing the brunt of global resource greed.
Prime Minister Suminwa’s appeal for enhanced mineral traceability and stronger international cooperation underscores the need for ethical and transparent mining practices.
The ultimate goal is to transform the sector into a driver of national growth rather than a source of conflict manipulated by external interests.
The challenge remains immense: securing the DRC’s mining wealth for the benefit of its people and positioning it as a pillar of sustainable development for Africa.
