The lanterns went out on the regional forum on the implementation of the gold strategy for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASMAPE) which was held in Kinshasa from September 12 to 15, 2023. This event, co-organized by the ICGLR secretariat and the Congolese government, brought together participants to discuss the consequences of mining fraud and smuggling in the gold industry, as well as ways to promote responsible exploitation of this precious resource .
During these four days of debate, the discussions highlighted the harmful effects of fraud and mining smuggling on local communities, but also the urgent needs to establish an effective communication system between the Member States of the region. Mines Minister Antoinette N’samba Kalambay has called on member states to engage in the fight against mining smuggling to improve the region’s economies.
In her closing speech, the Minister highlighted the importance of cooperation between Member States to transform the gold sector, eradicate mining fraud and smuggling, and respect cross-border limits to ensure responsible exploitation of this gold. resource. She also called for the activation of non-aggression protocols on the repression of war crimes to strengthen regional stability.
Forum participants made numerous recommendations, including the commitment of ICGLR member states to respect the provisions of the pact on security, stability and development in the Great Lakes region to promote responsible cross-border trade. gold from artisanal and small-scale mining.
This meeting was an opportunity for players in the gold sector to share their experiences and propose concrete solutions to combat mining fraud and smuggling. She also underlined the importance of responsible exploitation of this precious resource to improve the living conditions of the communities that depend on it.
In conclusion, this regional forum helped to highlight the challenges facing the gold sector in the Great Lakes region, but also possible solutions to promote responsible exploitation and eradicate mining fraud and smuggling. He also stressed the importance of cooperation among member states to ensure stability and development in the region.