The exorbitant advantages granted by the Congolese government to the “Primera” company of the United Arab Emirates continue to be debated. This affair aroused strong reactions within Congolese society, in particular from the national deputy Alfred Maisha. The latter tabled a written question addressed to ministers Adèle Kayinda, Antoinette N’Samba and Nicolas Kazadi, expressing his indignation at the advantages granted to Primera.
According to Alfred Maisha, it is unacceptable that Primera, a foreign company, has benefited from privileges such as a 25-year monopoly for the exploitation of gold, coltan, cassiterite and cobalt in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Maniema. Moreover, he denounces the fact that Primera contributes only minimally to the financing of these activities, while the Congolese State bears a large part of the cost.
The deputy also raises the problem of tax exemptions granted to Primera, which will only pay 3.5% of the value of its exported goods, while Congolese companies pay 12%. This situation generates a loss of $500 million per month for the provinces concerned.
Alfred Maisha believes that these advantages granted to Primera go against the new Mining Code in force in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which advocates equal treatment of companies. He also criticizes the fact that these contracts waive the sovereignty privileges of the Congolese state in the event of a dispute, which could have serious consequences for the national heritage.
The deputy insists on the fact that these decisions do not favor the creation of Congolese millionaires, contrary to what the President of the Republic mentioned. He calls for a review of these benefits granted to Primera and for compliance with the legal framework in force for the mining sector in the DRC.
This case illustrates the challenges of economic governance and transparency in the exploitation of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It also raises questions about equal opportunities for Congolese actors and the impact on the country’s economic development. It is crucial that such decisions are taken in the interest of the Congolese population and in accordance with the laws in force