In 2024 in Maniema Province, DRC, while the security situation was stable, the number of security incidents involving public security forces of public was an ongoing issue. In October, ITSCI continued its commitment to improving security in the mining sector by working to reduce the number of incidents involving public security forces. Through a series of capacity-building sessions, ITSCI engaged with key authorities from the public security forces to address concerns surrounding their involvement in mining activities and to propose training at a local level. These sessions were attended by key stakeholders, including the Deputy Public Prosecutor, the Deputy Senior Military Prosecutor, the PMH Battalion Commander, the Head of SAEMAPE, and the Head of Divimines. Each highlighted their objectives and roles in the mining sector, emphasising the importance of upholding the law in preventing security-related incidents.
In the field, ITSCI teams in Maniema conducted nine training and capacity-building sessions throughout the month, reaching 335 participants, of which 25 were women and 310 were men. The sessions focused on OHS measures, traceability, and due diligence principles, essential for responsible mining practices. These sessions engaged a wide range of stakeholders, including artisanal miners, cooperatives, negociants, government officials, and local state authorities.
In a significant effort to address the involvement of security forces in mining sites, the senior management of ITSCI’s field implementation partner Kumbuka Afrika, including the DRC Project Director, visited Maniema and led targeted training for public security forces and processing entities in Kindu. This aimed to clarify the role of the military and other security forces in the mining sector, and to reinforce the message that involvement in mining activities is detrimental to both artisanal miners and the surrounding communities. The training highlighted the legal boundaries regarding military presence in mining sites, as stipulated in the DRC Mining Code.
ITSCI’s continued collaboration with local authorities, including monthly meetings with the military prosecutor’s office in Kindu, aims to tackle these issues at the root. The regular consultations have led to actionable steps, such as the replacement of a military inspector in Kalima who had been involved in several security incidents, and ongoing investigations into abuses by FARDC soldiers at mining sites.
This initiative is part of a broader action plan to mitigate security risks, following extensive discussions between ITSCI and the military prosecutor. In January 2024, ITSCI met with the military prosecutor in Kindu to discuss the growing concerns about military involvement in mining activities. A framework for information exchange was established to review incidents and develop recommendations for reducing these abuses. This framework has been crucial in fostering regular communication between ITSCI and the military prosecutor’s office, helping to monitor and address security risks on the ground.
ITSCI’s ongoing improvement efforts in Maniema demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing security concerns and creating a safer environment for artisanal mining communities. Through capacity building and continuous dialogue, ITSCI remains dedicated to addressing, and where possible mitigating, security incidents and promoting responsible mining practices across the region.
