In the small town of Kabimba, in the heart of the Kalemie territory, unrest reigns. The inhabitants, tired of seeing the cement industry flourish without any compensation being given to the local community, have decided to demonstrate their indignation. The GLC company thus finds itself at the center of a controversy, accused by local civil society of not contributing to the development of the region despite its lucrative activities.
The affair takes a more serious turn when the coordinator of the Kalemie forces, Kisika Lumumba, reveals that GLC rejected in 2023 a memorandum of understanding aimed at guaranteeing positive spinoffs for the community. This refusal is accompanied by the non-compliance with a timetable providing for concrete actions, such as the supply of drinking water, the electrification of the city or the asphalting of local roads. Faced with this disregard for the commitments made, anger is growing among the inhabitants of Kabimba.
The demonstration orchestrated by Kalemie civil society aims to strongly denounce this situation. The demonstrators publicly express their discontent, going so far as to go to the very gates of the GLC company to make their demands heard. The reaction of the local authorities, symbolised by shots fired in the air to disperse the protesters, bears witness to the palpable tension surrounding this affair.
At the end of this eventful day, a memorandum is given to the administrator of the GLC company, recalling the expectations and concrete needs of the Kabimba community. However, the silence of the company’s managers regarding these accusations leaves doubts hanging over the future of relations between GLC and the local population.
This case, far from being isolated, highlights the crucial issues related to the exploitation of natural resources in developing regions. It highlights the need for equitable collaboration between companies and affected communities, in order to ensure sustainable and inclusive development for all.
Fatshimetrie will continue to closely monitor the development of this case and all issues related to the exploitation of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo.