As part of a broader UN effort to end conflict and stop illegal exploitation of mineral resources in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Africa's Great Lakes region in general, United Nations peacekeepers are working with DRC police to secure the country's mining sector.

Last month, the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC held a three-week training session for 40 police officers, who received practical instruction in self-defense and intervention tactics as well as information on human rights issues and the illegal exploitation of natural resources, including diamonds.

In addition to diamonds – most of the DRC's rough diamonds are mined in the south-central Tshikapa and Mbuji-Mayi provinces – the country's mineral resources include copper, gold, and coltan.



According to the Kimberley Process, in 2009 the DRC produced 21.2 million carats of diamonds valued at $225.8 million.