**Parliamentary control of mining companies in Sakania: A first step towards transparency and respect for workers’ rights?**
On January 27, 2025, the delegation of national deputies, led by Serge Chembo Nkonde, began a parliamentary control in mining companies in Sakania. This trip, to the heart of a municipality where mining resources go hand in hand with complex social issues, highlights the delicate intersection between economic exploitation and social responsibility.
The highlight of this mission was the visit to the Jiayou company, a Chinese company whose reputation for respecting labor rights is the subject of debate. In a context where the mining sector is regularly criticized for its sometimes questionable practices, the presence of a parliamentary delegation promises a boost towards stricter regulation and increased transparency.
### A crying need for regulation
Mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are at the heart of many ethical concerns. According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), nearly 60% of workers in the mining sector face precarious working conditions. The DRC, rich in minerals such as copper, cobalt and gold, is also infamous for its human rights violations, including inadequate wages and dangerous working conditions.
Serge Chembo Nkonde’s mission illustrates a potential turning point in the management of this sector, as the legitimacy of parliamentary work often rests on its ability to tackle fundamental issues that directly affect the lives of workers. The delegation’s willingness to examine not only the company’s practices regarding current regulations but also the well-being of employees underlines a collective awareness among MPs of the need to balance economic profitability with social justice.
### Audience dynamics: between assessment and promise of change
The sweep of the various administrative entities and Serge Chembo Nkonde’s speech to the press suggest a strategy that could transform the operational landscape of mining companies in the region. By killing each other not only with company managers but also with unions, the delegation is not limited to a simple compliance check; it seeks a thorough understanding of the issues.
This participatory approach is signified by the invitation to the population and workers to provide feedback on their experiences. In addition, the promise of sanctions for those who do not respect the legal framework raises palpable hope among local stakeholders and could encourage an improvement in governance resulting from this parliamentary initiative.
### Sustainable development issues and environmental impact
An element that is often overlooked in discussions on the mining sector is the environment. The DRC, with its natural resources, is also at the heart of environmental concerns. Environmentally destructive practices, such as deforestation and pollution of waterways, are often linked to poorly regulated mining. Beyond working conditions, companies will also have to face ecological responsibility obligations.
Integrating environmental standards into the objectives of parliamentary control could greatly enhance the preservation of Congolese biodiversity while ensuring more responsible exploitation of resources. Finding this balance can offer companies a model for sustainable success, respecting workers’ rights while preserving the country’s natural resources.
### Future prospects
The initiative undertaken by the parliamentary representation in Sakania can represent a crucial step in the fight for the good treatment of employees and the preservation of natural resources. However, the future lies in the continuity of this control and in substantial action to enforce established laws. Reforms must go beyond simple audits: they must include mechanisms for monitoring the application of the law, regular monitoring of company practices, and continued involvement of civil society actors.
The vision of Serge Chembo Nkonde and his delegation thus lays the foundations of a sustainable model for the mining industry in the DRC, where economic prosperity rhymes with respect for human rights and preservation of the environment. For this snapshot of parliamentary control to not be just an event, it must translate into a dynamic of change rooted in transparency, community engagement, and respect for the laws in force. In this regard, parliamentary control of mining companies in Sakania represents a decisive issue for the entire legal and economic landscape of the country.
Joseph Malaba / Fatshimetrie.org