Lualaba province in the Democratic Republic of Congo has recently been rocked by violence during protests. Diggers were chased from mining sites by armed individuals, which provoked an uprising of the population. The explanation for these events is simple: Lebanese operators illegally took possession of mines where artisanal diggers worked. These would have been replaced by industrial operators, leading to forced unemployment for the diggers.
The victims lodged complaints with the authorities without any concrete results. The illegal operations are carried out under the protection of individuals claiming to be members of the presidential family. The mining company, holder of the exploitation permits, is unable to assert its rights.
These events once again show the economic difficulties facing the DRC, despite its significant natural resources. They also reveal the powerlessness of the authorities in the face of illegal acts, often protected by armed militias.
Measures must be taken to end this violence, protect the rights of citizens and guarantee the safety of the local population and workers.