Here is an article that looks back on the latest tragic events that have occurred in the province of Lualaba, more precisely in the village of Kisankala. Demonstrations erupted following the violence suffered by the community of artisanal diggers, chased by armed men from the sites where they used to dig.
These armed men worked for operators of Lebanese nationality who set up on these sites and exploit them illegally. The protests attracted the attention of the media and the provincial government. A delegation led by the Minister of Mines arrived on site to calm things down and promise the diggers that they will be able to work in certain areas of the sites in good agreement with the Lebanese operators.
However, despite the promises made by the authorities, a new violent incident broke out between diggers and industrial mining operators. According to representatives of the mining company holding perimeter PE591, the Lebanese operators despoiled industrial sites of Kalakundi, pumping station and Sierra. They have been illegally exploiting these sites for several months, under the protection of their armed elements.
Although several complaints have been lodged with provincial, national and military authorities, no concrete action has been taken to put an end to these illegal activities carried out by despoiling operators.
Added to this is an even more worrying aspect: the alleged complicity of people claiming links with the presidential family to benefit from total impunity on the part of the authorities.
This drama demonstrates the urgency of developing a policy for the sustainable and responsible management of mineral resources in the DRC. A policy that would take into account the rights of local populations, the involvement and respect of laws by mining investors, while aiming to strengthen the institutional capacities of the State to better control and regulate the sector