Deep on the banks of the Oubangui River in the Central African Republic lies the workplace of Jorres L., a 26-year-old veteran who fought for four years in the country’s civil war. His reintegration into civilian life was made possible thanks to a job as a sand miner.
After leaving the armed group, I looked for work for a while, but to no avail. Today I work as a sand miner and I can pay my rent. My wife and I are parents of six children, and I can support them through this job. Since then, I have been trying to convince my brothers who are still passive to join this sector. You can’t get hired in this country, but this job allows me to support myself.
In a country where industries are lacking, sand mining has become a source of employment for many young veterans. Jeannet Kotisila owns a sand quarry and employs more than 150 ex-militiamen as day laborers.
“Before working as sand miners, many people in the neighborhood were unemployed. But since they took this job, their lives have improved, they have given up their old actions. Some of these workers were militiamen This work allowed them to start over, giving them a better life.”
There are no official figures on the number of Central Africans working in sand quarries, but one professor believes the sector contributes significantly to the economy.
However, the lack of regulation means workers have no guarantees of health, safety and income levels.
“In terms of benefits, it is already a good thing that these former combatants have handed in their weapons and taken up normal work,” underlines Hermann Elokoua, professor and researcher at the University of Bangui.
“But the downside is that these people are not organized, which means they do not earn enough. Even if they earn money, that money will not be enough to support them in case of illness. ”
As the Central African Republic’s capital, Bangui, continues to expand, the job of a sand miner is more essential than ever.
Defenders are pleading for better management of sand quarries so that workers can earn a dignified living.