Philippe Ruvunangiza (Birindwa) is an activist and professional from Bukavu, bravely holding mining companies and the government accountable to communities adversely impacted by mineral extraction in eastern Congo.

This easternmost region has been stricken with widespread violence and humanitarian crises resulting from decades of conflict. He does this work despite consequently facing threats on his life from Congolese military and government personnel, and militia groups. 

Ruvunangiza works with miners to establish a discourse among government officials, regular and non-regular armed forces, and mining companies in eastern DRC. He works to secure miners’ rights to safe and hygienic working conditions and establish national standards for corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the mining industry. Environmental advocacy is also central to his work; he lobbies and conducts research focused on addressing environmental degradation resulting from mining. Ruvunangiza also helps miners receive education and organize to demand better working conditions, fair compensation, and rights to their land. 

He currently serves as the Director of the Bureau d’Etudes Scientifiques et Techniques (Office of Scientific and Technical Studies (BEST). BEST is a nonprofit organization and research body; Ruvunangiza tracks the expansion of mining across the Kivu region and the subsequent exploitation of communities in mining areas. 

At BEST, he coordinates the production of reports that uncover and document evidence of abuses committed by state, corporate, and local actors against miners and the environment. BEST produces public data – including a series of working papers – that is used by Ruvunangiza and others to campaign on behalf of mining communities at local, national, and international levels.

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