The ICGLR Audit Committee held its 27th Meeting in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reaffirming its commitment to strengthening responsible sourcing and promoting transparency in the regional mineral trade. During this session, the Committee reviewed reports of Third-Party Audits conducted in the DRC and discussed a proposed webinar programme aimed at strengthening the technical skills and capacities of ICGLR-accredited Third-Party Auditors.

In her welcoming remarks, Mrs. Pambi Mudila Marie, ICGLR National Coordinator for the DRC, warmly welcomed Committee members to Kinshasa and expressed appreciation for their active participation.

I hope that the Committee’s deliberations will help pave the way toward the responsible and sustainable exploitation of our region’s mineral resources, said Mrs. Pambi Mudila Marie, ICGLR National Coordinator for the DRC.

Mr. Philip Kiriu, Chair of the ICGLR Audit Committee, expressed gratitude to the Government of the DRC and the National Coordination Mechanism for graciously hosting the technical meeting and for the warm hospitality extended to all participants. He reiterated that the Committee serves as the technical backbone of the Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM) — the key instrument for implementing the region’s shared commitment to responsible and transparent mineral trade across the Great Lakes Region.

Delivering his official remarks, Mr. Jacques Ramazani Lutuba, Secretary General at the Ministry of Mines and Guest of Honour, commended the Committee’s presence and participation. He underscored that the meeting reflected the collective commitment and vitality of the regional platform in promoting transparent and ethical mineral governance, in line with the objectives of the ICGLR Pact and other regional instruments designed to combat the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Great Lakes Region.

Ambassador Yasir Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, Deputy Executive Secretary of the ICGLR, expressed appreciation to the Government of the DRC for hosting the 27th Meeting of the Audit Committee. He also extended thanks to ICGLR partners, including GIZ and Impact, for their continued collaboration and dedication to implementing the Regional Certification Mechanism — a cornerstone of the ICGLR’s Regional Initiative to combat the illegal exploitation of natural resources and promote sustainable development across the region.

The Audit Committee ensures that Third-Party Audits (TPAs) of exporters of 3TG minerals (tin, tantalum, tungsten, and gold) are conducted in full compliance with RCM standards. These audits constitute a fundamental element in operationalizing the RCM and advancing the region’s shared goals of ethical and transparent mineral governance.