Kinshasa, February 26th, 2026 (CPA). – The main theme, “Strategic Minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): From Geological Scandal to Social Tragedy,” was the focus of a scientific seminar held Thursday at the Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kinshasa (ISTM-KIN) in the capital. “I cannot proceed without warmly thanking the organizers of this scientific seminar, whose main theme is ‘Strategic Minerals of the DRC: From Geological Scandal to Social Tragedy,’ with emphasis on environmental and health challenges,” said Professor Nicole Ntumba, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Head of State in charge of political, legal and diplomatic affairs, and keynote speaker at the event.
Speaking on the topic “Paradox of Natural Resources in the DRC,” she raised several questions, notably why the abundance of natural resources does not translate into development. To answer these questions, she invited participants to explore another field in order to better understand the paradox—legal anthropology. She explained that legal anthropology is “the science of man,” examining human behavior within a legal system governed by norms and texts. “How does an individual behave in the face of laws regulating the mining sector, in this case?” she asked.
According to her, legal anthropology analyzes how mining companies conceive, produce and interpret legal frameworks, while examining the coexistence with traditional chieftaincies perceived as older and more legitimate, and the consideration of the needs of local communities in mining areas. She further noted that this approach takes into account the dichotomy between legality and legitimacy, written law and customs, and standards of conduct in mining exploitation, with a view to contributing to the development of local communities and the country as a whole.