The truth about illegal mining by a Chinese company in Punia
The province of Maniema, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the scene of a scandal which arouses the indignation of local communities. A Chinese company, Gold Mountain Mining Group, is accused of illegally mining gold and diamonds in Matumba village, Punia. These illegal practices take place with the complicity of an honorary advisor close to the Presidency of the Republic and are protected by armed military forces.
The local communities of Punia denounce the disastrous consequences of this illicit exploitation on their environment. Indeed, the Chinese company operates without any legal authorization, thus destroying the ancestral land of the inhabitants and causing unsustainable destruction of the environment. Furthermore, acts of violence perpetrated by security forces serving this society have become commonplace.
Testimonies report live ammunition being fired at innocent citizens who are trying to go about their daily activities and claim their legitimate rights. The power of Chinese society is such that security forces do not hesitate to pillage cooperatives and mining groups to satisfy its interests.
Local communities in Punia are demanding justice. They demand the immediate expulsion of Chinese subjects involved in these illegal activities, as well as the suspension of all complicit authorities. They also demand the opening of legal action so that exemplary sanctions are taken against all those guilty.
In addition, the communities of Punia recommend the application of the polluter pays principle to obtain compensation for the damage suffered. They also demand the definitive withdrawal of mining titles granted to the Chinese company Gold Mountain Mining Group in order to discourage any similar illicit activity in the future.
Faced with the inaction of the authorities and the impunity enjoyed by those responsible for this exploitation, the communities of Punia are planning to carry out large-scale citizen actions to assert their rights. They are therefore launching an S.O.S to the collective conscience, in order to raise public awareness and put pressure on the competent authorities to put an end to these illegal practices and preserve the environment of Punia.
It is time for the truth about this illegal mining to be revealed and concrete steps to be taken to end this injustice. The people of Punia deserve to live in a healthy, protected and respected environment. It is our duty to make their voices heard and act for justice.