The situation remains tense in the mining town of Mambati, located in the Haut-Uele province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The death of a young 18-year-old gold miner, discovered on a mineral exploitation site by Chinese expatriates, has sparked anger among his colleagues. They attacked the local police sub-station, ransacking offices and burning documents.
The gold miners, in their frustration, expressed their intention to attack Chinese installations as a sign of revenge. However, they were dispersed by the Congolese armed forces, who fired warning shots.
Local authorities quickly reacted by taking the necessary measures for the dignified and secure burial of the deceased, while condemning the acts of vandalism. However, tension persists in the locality, with gunshots reported.
Other reports report the death of a Chinese national, allegedly killed by gold miners. However, this information was categorically rejected by the MMB sector head.
This tense situation highlights the challenges faced by gold miners and Chinese expatriates in this mining region. Local authorities are actively working to restore calm and guarantee the safety of all those involved.
It is essential to find a balance between mining and the protection of workers’ rights, in order to avoid such situations of tension and violence. Investing in safety and social dialogue measures can help prevent such incidents in the future.
The situation in Mambati should be closely monitored, because it highlights the challenges of mining and cohabitation between local communities and foreign investors in the mining regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.