Artisanal mining in Walikale territory, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is facing growing instability as soldiers and members of the Wazalendo militia become increasingly involved in mining activities—despite national laws that prohibit such participation.
Local civil society organizations and traditional leaders have raised alarm over the presence of armed groups at mining sites, especially in the Utunda group of the Wanianga sector. According to community reports, these armed actors are no longer simply providing security but are directly engaging in gold and cassiterite extraction—digging wells and operating pits themselves.
Shemwiso Bitashimwa Jean, administrative secretary of the Utunda group, warned that this militarization threatens the very foundation of artisanal mining, which was intended to support local livelihoods.
“The presence of armed men in mining activities distorts the system and blocks development,” he said.
“Rather than empowering local communities, mining is becoming a contest for control and profit.”
The Walikale Development Studies and Support Office (BEDEWA), a civil society group focused on governance and resource management, reports a worsening situation in other parts of the territory. According to BEDEWA coordinator Maître Obedi Kamala, rival armed factions are fighting over control of artisanal mining zones in the Bafuna group.
“This situation puts validated mining zones at risk and discourages any formalization efforts,” Kamala stated.
These concerns are echoed by local mining authorities. Jérémie Kisangula, deputy head of the Wanianga mining service, confirmed that soldiers have been present at artisanal sites. However, he emphasized that awareness campaigns are underway to educate all actors about the legal restrictions on military involvement in mining.
“We’re beginning to see a shift—armed groups are slowly understanding that mining is not part of their official mandate,” Kisangula noted.
Despite some signs of progress, the continued interference of armed groups remains a serious obstacle to regulating and sustaining artisanal mining in Walikale. It also raises broader concerns about the future of community-led development in a region still struggling with insecurity and governance challenges.
