Fatshimetrie: Mwenga’s minerals, confiscated wealth
The Mwenga region in South Kivu is full of valuable mineral resources, yet the local population struggles to fully benefit from them. Mining in this territory brings more to foreign companies than to the region’s inhabitants, denounced civil society during a recent day of reflection organized by the NGO BEST.
Despite the diversity of its mineral wealth, Mwenga remains plunged into poverty, while its underground minerals are exploited mainly by foreign companies, often illegally. Participants in the forum on mining in Mwenga point the finger at these companies for their unlawful practices.
Miki Mutiki, a mining expert from civil society, highlights the failings of Chinese companies operating in the region: exploration permits diverted for exploitation, violations of social and environmental standards, to the detriment of local communities.
Samuel Lungele Itebo, representative of the territorial civil society of Mwenga, calls for firm intervention by the Congolese State to put an end to these abuses. He deplores the illegal exploitation that continues in the region and insists on the strict application of mining laws to protect the interests of the inhabitants and ensure sustainable development.
Faced with this alarming situation, it is imperative that the Congolese authorities take concrete measures to prevent and sanction the abuses of foreign mining companies. It is essential to guarantee responsible exploitation of the natural resources of Mwenga, in compliance with environmental standards and the well-being of local populations.
The issue of mining in Mwenga reveals the major challenges related to the management of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is essential to place the interests of local communities at the heart of mining policies, to ensure a fair sharing of economic benefits and promote sustainable development in the region.
In short, the situation in Mwenga highlights the need for transparent and responsible management of the country’s mineral resources, ensuring the protection of the rights of local populations and the preservation of the environment for future generations.