shows that mining in the area has a considerable knock-on effect on conflict dynamics. It creates friction between different branches of the state and various administrative levels while semi-industrial mining has sparked conflict by prompting the sometimes violent displacement of artisanal miners.
This has led some of them to join armed groups, or to an upsurge in violent banditry. These three experts suggest that different agencies and layers of the state should cooperate and international donors should support administrative and security sector reform need to get the message across that profiting from mining in protected areas is not acceptable.The Conversation Africa, 13 January 2023
The Democratic Republic of Congo's conflict-affected eastern provinces are home to numerous protected areas. These areas host unique biodiversity and a range of threatened…