Accusations of misappropriation of mining and forestry concessions in Congo
In a statement made to the press on September 10, opponent Luc Malembe of the Ecide party accused the Eastern Congo Mining Company (SMEC) of appropriating mining and forestry concessions from the indigenous people of the Mambasa territory, to then resell them to the Chinese. Accusations questioned by SMEC.
According to Luc Malembe, several mining and forestry concessions are expropriated by individuals claiming to be close to power. He notably cited the name of Saidi Shishombo, accused of influence peddling and appropriating land from the indigenous people of Mambasa. Local gold miners, who exploited gold in an artisanal manner on these sites, would thus be threatened by this situation.
Luc Malembe called on the authorities to intervene to bring order to this sector in Mambasa, where armed conflicts are frequent.
In response, SMEC denied all accusations against it. Its spokesperson, Olenga Omba, invited Luc Malembe to find out about the procedure for granting mining research permits in the DRC. According to him, once the mining cadastre notes that the requested perimeter is not occupied, it issues a favorable opinion to the Minister of Mines for the signing of the order approving a research permit.
The management of mining areas in Mambasa has long been a source of tension and armed conflict. This accusation of misappropriation of mining and forestry concessions only accentuates concerns about the situation in this region.
It is essential that the Congolese authorities take these accusations seriously and carry out a thorough investigation to shed light on this matter. Transparency and protection of indigenous rights must be top priorities in mining in the DRC.