Congo President Tshisekedi orders removal of troops from mines, warns against harsh revenue enforcement

President Félix‑Antoine Tshisekedi instructed the ministries of finance, economy and mines, as well as revenue agencies, to avoid heavy‑handed enforcement actions against mining firms. He warned that “excessive measures could dent investors' confidence” and that unpredictable asset freezes, bank account seizures and other fiscal charges undermine the competitiveness of the copper‑cobalt sector, which underpins the Democratic Republic of Congo’s economy.

In the same cabinet meeting, Tshisekedi ordered the immediate withdrawal of soldiers and police stationed illegally at mining sites. He said the illegal presence fuels fraud, smuggling and insecurity and harms the country’s image among investors. The directive aims to strengthen governance, improve traceability of minerals and reassure both domestic and international partners, amid ongoing disputes with companies such as Glencore and China’s CMOC over alleged revenue under‑reporting.