US Backs Congo Paramilitary Mining Guard Amid Geopolitical Rivalry
A new paramilitary guard is being established to secure Congo’s extensive mining operations, a $100 million initiative backed by U.S. and Emirati investments. This force, projected to grow to over 20,000 personnel by 2028, aims to enhance investor confidence and state oversight amid persistent insecurity and illicit trafficking in the region. The initiative is part of a broader U.S. strategy to secure access to critical minerals like coltan, a vital component in modern technology. The guard will assume security responsibilities for mine sites, mineral transport, and foreign investments, seeking to improve governance and transparency in the mining sector.
John Q. Hosedrinker