Fatshimetrie, October 9, 2024 – An important decision was taken today in the Democratic Republic of Congo, impacting the country’s mining sector. Indeed, the contract that linked the company South Energie to the mining company of Kilo-Moto (Sokimo) has been suspended. This announcement was made by the Director General during a meeting between a delegation of national deputies from Ituri and the Minister of Portfolio.
This suspension follows a series of demands from Sokimo employees and executives, who recently went on strike to protest several points. Among the demands made by the workers were the payment of 118 months of salary arrears, the cessation of the company’s activities, the termination of the contract with South Energie, as well as the suspension of the Director General for allegations of mismanagement and embezzlement of salaries.
This situation raises questions about the internal management of Sokimo and highlights the social tensions within the company. The suspension of the contract with South Energie is a first step towards resolving these problems, but much remains to be done to restore employee confidence and ensure the sustainability of the Kilo-Moto mining company.
The Minister of the Portfolio has asked the Sokimo management committee to present him with a strategic plan to revive the company’s activity in the near future. In addition, an audit team from the Higher Council of the Portfolio will be sent to the field to assess the situation in an objective and transparent manner.
It is crucial that all stakeholders sit down around the table as soon as possible to find sustainable and equitable solutions. Transparency, good governance and respect for workers’ rights must be at the heart of the actions to be taken to guarantee a stable and prosperous future for Sokimo.
The suspension of the contract between South Energie and Sokimo marks a turning point in the history of this mining company and paves the way for positive changes for all its stakeholders. It now remains to transform these challenges into opportunities to build a better future for the Congolese mining industry.