DR Congo to establish US-backed paramilitary guard for mines

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) plans to establish a paramilitary unit to secure its large mining sites. The mining guard, backed by investments from the United States and the United Arab Emirates, will be gradually deployed by the end of 2028 with over 20,000 guards. The $100 million program aims to improve governance and transparency in the mining sector, which is crucial for the supply of cobalt and other critical minerals.