DR Congo to establish US-backed paramilitary guard for mines
Summary
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will create a paramilitary force called the "mining guard" to protect its mining sites and mineral transport. This unit will be supported by investment from the United States and the United Arab Emirates and aims to secure valuable minerals amid ongoing conflicts and rebel activity in the eastern part of the country.Key Facts
- The mining guard will be a paramilitary unit securing mineral extraction and transport across the DRC.
- More than 20,000 guards are planned to be deployed by 2028 in 22 mining provinces.
- Recruits will undergo six months of training; the first group will start deployment in December 2024.
- The program has a $100 million budget funded by the US and UAE partnerships.
- The DRC produces about 70% of the world’s cobalt, important for electric car batteries and defense.
- China currently dominates mining operations in the DRC, but the US wants to reduce this dominance.
- The DRC faces violence from rebel groups linked to control over mineral wealth.
- The DRC and Rwanda signed a peace agreement with an economic plan to improve mineral supply for US interests.
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