On this day of March 26, 2024, civil society in Walikale, in the province of North Kivu, is protesting against what it considers to be an illegal distribution of military effects by a private mining company to elements of the Congolese armed forces. deployed to ensure the security of Bisié mining sites.
According to a press release, the military outfits provided do not correspond to the official uniforms of the Congolese army, which raises legitimate concerns about the origin and legality of this allocation. The president of Walikale civil society, Fiston Misona, calls on the authorities to take the necessary measures, stressing that this distribution of non-compliant military effects is contrary to the rules in force in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The situation is all the more worrying in the context of conflict with a neighboring country, where the region is subject to threats and attempts at destabilization. Civil society in Walikale warns of the potential dangers linked to such a practice, stressing that securing mining sites must not be done to the detriment of the integrity of the Congolese armed forces.
Despite Radio Okapi’s efforts to contact military officials and the mining company involved, no clarification has been obtained so far. It is essential that transparent measures consistent with existing laws are taken to ensure the legality and integrity of the security forces deployed in the region.
This case raises important questions about the links between private actors and the armed forces, as well as transparency and accountability in the mining sector in the DRC. It is crucial to ensure that mining operations are carried out in compliance with laws and ethical standards, and that the safety of local populations is a top priority.