Security concerns pose major challenges to mining operations in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. At least 40 armed groups continue to operate in the east of the country and violent clashes between rival factions occur frequently. Both the Congolese army and the UN mission MONUSCO are engaged in ongoing counter-insurgency operations. A pending offensive against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebel group and the likely associated displacement of civilians in the Kivu provinces fleeing the violence may have a significant impact on mining operations in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, investors in DR Congo are faced with an extremely fragile political environment. Of particular concern is ongoing uncertainty regarding President Joseph Kabila’s plans to extend his rule beyond the 2016 general elections. An attempt to modify the electoral law in mid-January 2015 sparked violent protests in parts of Kinshasa as well as in the eastern mining hotspots Goma and Bukavu.
