News in DR Congo: Tensions in Kisankala in the province of Lualaba
The recent violent demonstrations that took place in Kisankala in the province of Lualaba have aroused the interest of the media. Indeed, these dramatic events were caused by a deep malaise within the population, and in particular among the artisanal diggers who are being driven out of the sites where they are used to working.
The protests began when a young woman was shot and injured as gunmen tried to push protesters away from sites they were monitoring. Tensions quickly escalated and machinery and trucks were set on fire. Protesters also attacked industrial mining operators.
A delegation from the provincial government went there to try to calm the spirits and to promote an agreement between the diggers and the mining operators. However, despite government promises, tensions persist in the region.
According to representatives of the company Swanmines, holder of mining titles in the region, the sites of Kalakundi, Sierra and Moto-pompe are being despoiled by Lebanese operators who have been exploiting these sites illegally for several months. Illegal operators are said to have taken over the sites through violence and threats, with the complicity of the military.
The victims of these spoliations have already sent complaints to the provincial and national authorities, as well as to the Palais de la Nation, without any concrete action being taken against the spoliators.
The tension is all the higher as the exploitation concession in this region has existed since 2016 and as the spoliators act under the cover of people posing as members of the presidential family. In addition, the mining company, holder of mining rights, is struggling to receive assistance from the competent authorities.
These dramatic events in the Kisankala region reflect the difficulties experienced by many communities in the DR Congo, faced with industrial spoliation and growing insecurity. The establishment of a transparent legal framework respectful of human rights is essential for a real stabilization of the situation in the region.