**Artisanal miners under tension in Ruashi: a crisis that raises profound questions**
The Ruashi community in Lubumbashi has recently been the scene of high tensions following a tragic incident in a mine operated by the mining company Ruashi Mining. Three artisanal miners were killed in circumstances that are still unclear, triggering a veritable tidal wave of unrest among the local population.
The accounts report that the deceased miners were transported to the Ruashi morgue, where their peers, in a state of anger and shock, let out their frustration. This act of violence led to the looting of property, the ransacking of phone credit points, and the destruction of electronic equipment. These actions, although indignant, sowed confusion and fear in the commune, temporarily paralyzing all activity in the city of Lubumbashi.
The presence of illegal miners spreading across different neighbourhoods in Ruashi has amplified the spiral of violence and disorder. From the Kitoyo stop to the Cité de la Mine, these individuals have spread terror throughout their journey, putting additional pressure on a community already tested by the tragedy.
Faced with this rise in tensions, the lack of intervention by law enforcement raises questions about the ability of the authorities to maintain public order and protect citizens. The consequences of this tragic event resonate beyond the borders of Ruashi, recalling the need for stricter regulation and better protection of artisanal workers who risk their lives daily in the mines of the DRC.
Ultimately, this incident in Ruashi highlights the multiple challenges facing the mining community in the DRC, highlighting the need for concerted action to ensure the safety and well-being of informal workers. In honouring the memory of the deceased diggers, it is imperative that we learn from this tragedy and work together to prevent similar events in the future.