Congo mining dispute félix tshisekedi calls for restraint in tax enforcement

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s President, Félix Tshisekedi, has directed tax authorities to curb aggressive enforcement actions against mining companies, warning that such measures could undermine the sector’s appeal to foreign investors. The directive follows a cabinet meeting in Kinshasa, where the President emphasized the need to balance revenue collection with economic stability.

As the world’s top cobalt producer and Africa’s second-largest copper supplier, the DRC relies heavily on mineral exports for its economic growth. Tshisekedi has criticized repeated account seizures, asset freezes, and unpredictable tax policies, arguing that these measures inflate operational costs, weaken sector competitiveness, and deter potential investments.

Prioritizing dialogue over coercion

To address these concerns, the President has instructed the Ministries of Economy, Finance, and Mines, along with financial regulators, to ensure that any tax recovery actions are legally justified and used only as a last resort. He has also advocated for structured dialogue, advance notifications, and mediation mechanisms as outlined in Congolese law to resolve disputes before resorting to enforcement.

In a vision speech to government officials, Tshisekedi outlined his goal of a competitive and transparent mining sector, built on a stable legal framework, predictable administrative decisions, and continuous engagement between the state and business operators.

The new directives come amid ongoing disputes between Kinshasa and several multinational mining firms. In 2025, the Inspectorate General of Finance alleged that major companies, including Chinese firm CMOC and Swiss trader Glencore, had underreported billions in revenue, reducing contributions to national development funds. The accused firms denied the accusations.

Days before the presidential directive, Congolese tax authorities had temporarily shuttered Glencore’s local offices over a tax dispute. The company has since reiterated its commitment to resolving the matter while denying any wrongdoing. Though it remains unclear if Tshisekedi’s instructions were directly linked to this case, the presidency has not yet responded to further inquiries.

In a separate order, the President also demanded the immediate withdrawal of military and police personnel illegally stationed at mining sites. He stated that such unauthorized presence fuels fraud, smuggling, and insecurity while damaging the DRC’s reputation among foreign investors.