The landslide that occurred on May 8 in the mining town of Rubaya in the territory of Masisi (North Kivu) in the Songambele mine did not cause 100 deaths, contrary to the false information and images circulating on social networks. After an investigation by a team from the North Kivu provincial government, it was confirmed that there was a landslide, but that it caused only one death and three injuries, all illegal artisanal hunters. The damaged perimeter had been closed by decision of the National Ministry of Mines.
Gervais Hakizimana, president of the civil society forces vives nucleus of Rubaya, called on the population to fight against deforestation and to be vigilant during each episode of rain, because the soil is very fragile in this region. He confirmed the results of the government investigation.
This false alarm circulated as floods in the neighboring province of South Kivu left several hundred dead and missing in Bushushu and Nyamukubi in Kalehe territory.
Indeed, the population must become aware that it has a role to play in the protection of the environment and to stop the clandestine exploitations. The provincial government of North Kivu has called on the population to take into account the decision of the Ministry of Mines on the cessation of clandestine exploitation in this region