Congo Establishes $100 Million US-Backed Mining Guard to Enhance Site Security
The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced the creation of a paramilitary mining guard aimed at securing mining sites and mineral supply chains. This initiative, backed by a $100 million budget from strategic partnerships with the United States and the United Arab Emirates, seeks to curb smuggling and improve security in the mining sector. The Congo, a leading producer of cobalt and copper, faces challenges from a Rwanda-backed rebellion in its mineral-rich eastern regions. The new mining guard will gradually deploy across the country, with an initial contingent of 2,500 to 3,000 personnel expected to be operational by December 2026. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance governance, transparency, and traceability in the mining sector.