At the 31st edition of the Investing in African Mining Indaba, held on February 3, 2025, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka strongly criticized the international community’s failure to address the ongoing exploitation of Congolese mining resources, which continues to fuel armed conflicts in the eastern region of the country.
As Africa’s leading copper producer and the world’s largest supplier of cobalt, the DRC plays a crucial role in the global transition to clean energy. However, widespread illegal mining is draining the country of vital revenues while exacerbating regional instability.
The situation in eastern DRC has escalated, with the M23 armed group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, occupying the city of Goma. This latest surge of violence has resulted in 773 deaths, 2,880 injuries, and widespread displacement of civilians.
“Our minerals are financing violence instead of contributing to our development,” Suminwa said, calling for improved traceability systems to break the vicious cycle of exploitation and conflict.
Despite the ongoing violence, the Congolese government remains committed to revitalizing its mining sector. Key reforms include tax relief, regulatory changes, and building stronger partnerships with industry stakeholders to create a more competitive and sustainable environment.
However, these efforts face significant challenges as long as illegal mineral extraction persists. The systematic looting of the DRC’s resources, along with their illicit sale on international markets, raises concerns about the role of international actors in perpetuating the country’s economic instability.
The occupation of Goma illustrates how economic warfare over valuable minerals directly translates into human suffering, with local populations bearing the brunt of global resource exploitation.
Prime Minister Suminwa’s call for enhanced mineral traceability and increased international cooperation highlights the urgent need for ethical and transparent mining practices.
The ultimate goal is to transform the mining sector into a driver of national growth, rather than allowing it to remain a source of conflict manipulated by external forces.
The challenge remains daunting: securing the DRC’s mining wealth for the benefit of its people and positioning the sector as a pillar of sustainable development for Africa.
