President Tshisekedi Pushes for Mineral Traceability to Curb Armed Group Funding in the DRC
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 country’s wealth benefits Congolese citizens rather than external actors,” Tshisekedi stated.
The president emphasized that these measures aim to disrupt the economic lifelines of armed groups operating in the eastern DRC. He noted that these groups rely heavily on the illegal exploitation of minerals, fueling violence and benefiting transnational criminal networks.
“The fight against armed groups cannot be fully effective without addressing the economic roots. The illegal exploitation of our strategic minerals, such as coltan and gold, perpetuates violence and enriches transnational criminal networks,” Tshisekedi said.
He stressed the need for global collaboration to combat these networks, which are often linked to large multinational corporations.
In 2024, allegations emerged against multinational corporations, including Apple, the American tech giant. Apple was accused of sourcing minerals extracted under inhumane and illicit conditions, allegedly with the complicity of neighboring Rwanda.
In December 2024, international lawyers representing the DRC filed complaints against Apple in France and Belgium, accusing the company of financing insecurity in the eastern DRC. In response, Apple announced the suspension of all mineral supply chains from the region.
President Tshisekedi reiterated the need for international solidarity to eliminate funding sources for armed groups and improve governance in the natural resources sector.
His speech reflects the DRC’s commitment to ensuring that its mineral wealth contributes to national development rather than perpetuating violence and exploitation.
