Children exploiting cassiterite in the mining quarries of Manono: a sad reality that requires urgent intervention
The situation of children working in cassiterite mining quarries in Manono, in the province of Tanganyika in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is alarming. During this school holiday period, many children find themselves looking for minerals to meet their needs, in the absence of support from the authorities or humanitarian organizations.
The Radio Okapi team that went there found that these children declare themselves orphans and are forced to work to survive. The quarries of Mukieme Makila, Libende and Milles bêches are the places where they spend their days in search of cassiterite.
The consequences of this mining on these children are multiple. Their growth and health are seriously impacted by these precarious working conditions. Unfortunately, little action has been taken to identify and help these children out of this difficult reality.
Faced with this situation, a parent makes a poignant appeal to the authorities and to UNICEF to intervene and support these vulnerable children. It is crucial to offer them a better future and allow them to return to school.
However, it is alarming to note that Manono is not among the action priorities of non-governmental organizations, both national and international. The resources and efforts deployed in this region are not enough to solve this problem. It is imperative to pay special attention to these children who, despite their young age, are already immersed in the hard work of mining quarries.
The rector of the University of Manono and expert in mining governance, Ilunga Yolola, condemns the authorities’ lack of commitment to this problem. He points out that the lack of visibility on this situation leads to a lack of mobilization and awareness of the environmental and social issues related to the production of these minerals.
It is urgent that concrete measures be taken to put an end to the exploitation of children in the mining quarries of Manono. Rehabilitation and reintegration programs must be put in place to offer them a brighter future. Awareness and education are also essential so that children understand the importance of education and can break free from this early cycle of labour.
It is imperative that the authorities, NGOs and the international community mobilize to resolve this problem. The children of Manono deserve to have a normal childhood, with access to education, health and a safe environment. Only a collective effort will transform their reality and offer them better prospects for the future