Kenya Hosts Landmark ICGLR Audit Committee Meeting to Tackle Mineral Smuggling and Boost Certification
Mr. Philip Kirui Kiplangat, Chairperson of the ICGLR Audit Committee, addresses attendees during the opening of the 26th meeting of the ICGLR Audit Committee
in Nairobi on April 22, 2025
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in the mineral sector by hosting the 26th meeting of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Audit Committee in Nairobi.
The high-level gathering brought together key stakeholders to assess progress in the implementation of the Regional Certification Mechanism (RCM) and address persistent challenges such as mineral smuggling.
Speaking at the opening session, ICGLR Audit Committee Chairperson Philip Kirui welcomed delegates, emphasizing Kenya’s pride in hosting the event.
“It is my honor to welcome you to Nairobi on behalf of the government and the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs,” Kirui said. “This meeting is about reaffirming our collective political will to act to empower legitimate exporters and ensure that minerals from our region are ethically sourced and transparently traded.”
The conference focused on reviewing the progress of third-party audits across member states, including Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The audits are a critical part of efforts to prevent the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the region, a problem that has historically fueled conflict and economic instability.
Kirui commended the work of the ICGLR Secretariat and audit teams, noting that the region is making meaningful strides toward a transparent, sustainable mineral sector.“We are committed to a future where our resources build peace, not conflict,” Kirui Stated.
Ambassador Yasir Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, Deputy Executive Secretary of the ICGLR, delivering a speech during the opening of the 26th meeting of the ICGLR Audit Committee on April 22, 2025.
Ambassador Yasir Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, Deputy Executive Secretary of the ICGLR, praised the committee’s dedication.
“This is a definite commitment to advancing the implementation of the ICGLR Regional Certification Mechanism,” he said. “We appreciate the Government of Kenya for facilitating this crucial meeting.
The session underscored the region’s united front in combating illegal resource exploitation and fostering ethical trade practices.
ICGLR and AUC Convene in Nairobi to Bolster Regional Peace, Good Governance, and Development Goals in the Great Lakes.
By Sharon Atieno
