Reply To: Balancing Security and Economic Sovereignty in Eastern DRC

[Heri Bitamala]

Proposed Approach: An Integrated Governance and Security Framework

1. Strengthen Provincial and National Resource Governance

Establish a South Kivu Mineral Governance Taskforce, composed of representatives from the provincial government, civil society, mining cooperatives, and the national mining authority.

Promote contract transparency and enforce the EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) standards in all new US-related mining agreements.

Mandate local content requirements ensuring Congolese SMEs, cooperatives, and youth associations benefit directly from supply chain opportunities.

2. Link Mineral Revenue to Local Security and Development

Create a Community Security and Resilience Fund, financed by a percentage of mineral royalties, to support local infrastructure, DDR (disarmament, demobilization, reintegration) programs, and security sector reforms.

Integrate customary chiefs and local security committees in the monitoring of mining zones to detect and prevent rebel infiltration or exploitation.

3. Diplomatic and Regional Accountability Mechanisms

Establish a Tripartite Monitoring Body (DRC–US–Rwanda) under AU or UN oversight, to track the implementation of the mineral deal, with a mandate to:

Investigate illicit cross-border flows,

Monitor armed group movements,

Prevent resource-backed violence.

Include sanction mechanisms for parties violating the agreement or supporting armed groups.

4. Leverage US Involvement for Security Sector Reform

Request US technical assistance to professionalize and equip Congolese security forces operating in South Kivu, focusing on:

Respect for human rights,

Anti-smuggling operations,

Protection of mining corridors.

5. Public Engagement and Political Will

Launch a national and provincial “Resources for Peace” campaign to educate citizens about the new agreement, their rights, and how to report corruption or security threats.

Encourage parliamentary oversight and regular public hearings to ensure democratic control of the mining and security sectors.