Felix Tshisekedi orders immediate withdrawal of military and police illegally deployed on mining sites

President Felix Tshisekedi ordered the immediate withdrawal of military and police illegally present on mining sites, announced after the Council of Ministers on July 10, 2026. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya stated the decision aims to strengthen mining governance and combat fraud. Tshisekedi said the illegal presence undermines the country's image and compromises sector reforms. The illegal militarization of mining sites also threatens security and the business climate.