Title: Gécamines workers demand accountability: the embezzlement affair shakes the public company
Introduction :
Gécamines, a public mining company in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is currently facing a major crisis following revelations of embezzlement. Workers from the company, as well as citizen movements and elected officials from the Katanga region, gathered in Lubumbashi to demand a thorough investigation and sanctions against those allegedly responsible. In a difficult economic context and declining production, workers express their indignation at illegal practices which compromise the future of the company.
Misappropriation of funds:
According to the General Inspectorate of Finance, the chairman of the board of directors of Gécamines and several executives have embezzled more than 10 million dollars. This large sum arouses indignation among workers, who wonder how a handful of managers can share such a sum when the company is experiencing financial difficulties and production is below expectations. The workers demand the immediate resignation of the chairman of the board of directors and demand that the embezzled money be returned to Gécamines.
Reactions and demands:
In addition to the workers, the citizen movements Struggle for Change (Lucha) and Filimbi also joined the demonstrations to denounce these embezzlement. They highlight the contrast between the wealth of certain officials and the poverty in which Congolese citizens live, who have only 1 dollar per day to survive. They demand that the embezzled money return to Gécamines and demand measures of transparency and accountability from the company’s managers.
Response from Gécamines:
In an official press release, Gécamines rejects the accusations of embezzlement and affirms that it is in reality a bonus granted to agents who worked on the collection of dividends of 211 million dollars paid by the mining group Glencore. However, this explanation has not convinced workers and citizen movements, who are still demanding a thorough investigation and precautionary measures against the company’s managers. Elected officials from the Katanga region, members of the Sacred Union political platform, also support these demands and call on the Head of State to act.
Conclusion :
Gécamines is at the heart of a controversy following accusations of embezzlement. Workers, citizen movements and elected officials demand accountability and demand measures to preserve the integrity and future of the company. It is crucial that thorough investigations are carried out and sanctions taken if those responsible are found guilty. Transparency and accountability must be at the heart of the management of public enterprises, in order to ensure sustainable and equitable development for all citizens.