The Democratic Republic of the Congo has announced the creation of a new paramilitary force to protect its mining industry—one of the most important in the world. This special unit will focus on securing mines, transport routes, and foreign investments linked to valuable minerals.
The force will start with about 2,500 to 3,000 trained personnel by the end of this year, with plans to grow to over 20,000 members by 2028. It is being funded through a $100 million partnership involving the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Congo plays a key global role because it produces around 70% of the world’s cobalt, a critical material used in electric batteries and modern technology. It also has large reserves of copper, coltan, and lithium—resources that are in high demand worldwide.
However, the country has long struggled with illegal mining and insecurity, especially in the east. Armed groups like the M23 rebels have been involved in ongoing conflicts, causing deaths and forcing many people to flee their homes.
The government hopes this new force will help bring more control, transparency, and safety to the mining sector. It is also part of a broader effort to reduce illegal activities and ensure that profits from natural resources benefit the country.
At the same time, global competition is growing. While China has a strong presence in Congo’s mining industry, Western countries are increasing their involvement to secure access to these critical resources.
Overall, this move shows how important Congo’s minerals are—not just for the country itself, but for the global economy and future technologies.
Source: Newstimehub
