** Mining operations in Bafwasende: between legal constraints and citizen aspirations **
The current situation in Bafwasende, a locality in the province of Tshopo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raises many questions about the management of natural resources and respect for the rights of local populations. Recently, a mission of civil society, accompanied by notables and young people in the region, reported worrying practices surrounding the gold exploitation by the company Kampala Wang Mining.
### A legal framework to respect
According to the president of the Civil Society of Bafwasende, Franck Bangwabendi, more than 200 Ugandan work under conditions deemed illicit for the mining company. This assertion raises questioning points regarding the conformity of Kampala Wang Mining operations with the Congolese mining code, which stipulates the need to consult and compensate local rights before starting any exploitation.
It is crucial to recall that the mining code has been established not only to protect the interests of investors, but also to ensure that the impacted communities are equitably benefit from the resources extracted in their territory. The absence of contact with the beneficiaries and the absence of payments to the local community evoke a significant breach of these obligations.
### Impact on the local community
The mission report also highlights the exclusion of local cooperatives, a factor that could increase tensions within the community. Cooperatives, as potentially inclusive, have the capacity to strengthen social ties and ensure that the profits of mining are shared. Their eviction could contribute to a climate of suspicion and resentment, thus harming social peace.
In addition, the lack of tax income for taxation and tax services aggravate the situation. The lack of financial contribution of an operating company could energize existing inequalities and limit the resources necessary for the development of infrastructure and public services in the region.
### The security dimension
Another central element of the report relates to security. The mention of an unstable historical and geopolitical context, in particular with regard to armed movements such as the M23, highlights the legitimate fears of the inhabitants of Bafwasende. When security attacks are present, the presence of a foreign workforce in a vulnerability position can arouse concerns both at national and international level.
Recent events illustrate how crucial it is to strengthen collaboration between local authorities, businesses and civil society to ensure that mining operations contributes not only to the economy, but also to security and social cohesion.
### to constructive cohabitation
The request made by the mission to suspend the activities of Kampala Wang Mining underlines a desire to protect the interests of the local population. This approach, although understandable in the current context, could also open a space for dialogue. Instead of focusing only on suspension, could we consider a framework to facilitate dialogue between stakeholders in order to reach a consensus?
Encourage companies to adopt more transparent practices and to involve the community in the decision -making process could prove to be beneficial. Consultation platforms, associating civil society, companies and the State, could promote a common definition of responsibilities and profits.
### Conclusion
The situation in Bafwasende illustrates the challenges that the Democratic Republic of Congo must take up in terms of natural resources management. It raises essential questions about the governance, transparency and inclusion of communities in operating processes. Far from being content to observe abuses, it is a question of building a system that respects the rights of populations while meeting development needs. A collaborative approach, focused on shared profits, could offer a path to a harmonious and fruitful coexistence.