In recent days, DRC Mining Week, a major event in the mining industry in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been the scene of tensions linked to LGBT practices. Flags in the colors of the LGBT community have been seen on the packaging of a company, arousing anger among some young people in the province of Haut-Katanga. The demonstrators then quickly organized a parade to show their disagreement with these practices which they consider unacceptable.
The demonstration, which started at the Grande Poste in the city and was to continue to Pullman Karavia where the mining week takes place, was quickly stopped by the provincial authorities. Security measures were deployed at the entrance to the hotel to prevent any crowds and the demonstration was therefore unable to succeed.
Still, some protesters infiltrated and tore up the LGBT-colored wrappers in public. The security forces then took measures to bring the situation under control by arresting some young demonstrators. The provincial interior minister of Haut-Katanga for his part recognized the demonstration and praised the professionalism of the police.
He also questioned the organizers of the DRC Mining Week on the purpose of their activity in the DRC, stressing that the promotion of miners should be their priority, and not that of LGBT people. He also hailed the humility of the citizens’ movements which apologized for this situation.
In short, this spontaneous demonstration and the reaction of the authorities show that the question of the LGBT community in the DRC remains a sensitive issue. The tensions observed during this major event highlight the need for awareness campaigns to change attitudes and promote diversity and inclusivity