2023-08-23
Title: General Christian Tshiwewe warns soldiers involved in mining squares
During an exchange with the military on Monday August 21, 2023, General Christian Tshiwewe warned the men who are involved in the mining squares. In a firm speech, the general forbade the presence of the military in these sites and warned that he already knew some army officers involved in such practices. He promised that these soldiers would be arrested and sent back to the prosecutor’s office.
“It is forbidden to find the military in the mining squares. I already have some names of the army officers who are in these practices. You will be arrested. I ask the commander of the 2nd defense zone, that of the Guard republican and the 22nd military region, arrest these people and send them to the auditor’s office,” said General Christian Tshiwewe.
This warning from General Christian Tshiwewe is a clear directive to the military involved in illegal mining. Mining squares in the Democratic Republic of Congo are mining areas under the responsibility of different mining companies, but often subject to illegal practices and the presence of armed groups. The presence of the military in these sites therefore seems to be a growing concern and an attack on the integrity of legal mining operations.
General Tshiwewe also called on all soldiers involved in the mining squares to leave these sites immediately. He stressed the importance of complying with the law and respecting legal mining operations which are crucial for the economic development of the country.
This statement by General Christian Tshiwewe demonstrates the determination of the military authorities to fight against illegal practices in the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By calling for the arrest of the soldiers involved and their referral to the prosecutor’s office, the general sends a strong message about the desire to put an end to illegal activities that compromise the economic stability of the country.
It remains to be seen what concrete actions will be taken by the military authorities to put an end to the presence of the military in the mining squares. This statement by General Tshiwewe is an important first step in the fight against illegal practices and a clear signal that no one is above the law, even within the armed forces