Theft of Weapon, Gold, and Silver from Chinese Mining Base in Haut-Uele: What Happened?
In the early hours of Sunday, January 19, 2025, a group of unidentified armed men launched a brazen attack on a Chinese mining base operating with Giro Goldfield in the 12 Matchs mining site, located in the Anguleyi groupement, Kibali sector, Watsa territory, Haut-Uele province, in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to Jean David Abule, the coordinator of the New Congolese Civil Society in the region, the assailants, numbering nine, stormed the camp, overpowering the guards, police officers, and soldiers responsible for the site’s security. It is believed that they had inside help to carry out their operation.
“These armed bandits, about nine in number, infiltrated the camp. They subdued the guards, stole a firearm, and knew exactly where the money was kept. They took five Chinese nationals hostage and fired several warning shots before vanishing into the night. A female police officer at the scene informed us that the criminals arrived following a power outage around 8-9 pm, indicating possible internal collusion. They left the scene with the Chinese hostages, whom they released after approximately 300 meters,” stated Jean David Abule.
Increasing Tension and Allegations Against Foreign Mining Operators
Recent days have seen a rise in mistrust between local communities and foreign mining operators working through mining cooperatives. Allegations against them include environmental destruction, mistreatment of Congolese workers, and practices deemed illegal.
During an official visit to Watsa, the provincial governor, Jean Bakomito Gambu, condemned the misuse of mining permits by certain cooperatives, enabling foreigners to illegally enter the mining sector.
In response to these irregularities, the governor ordered an immediate halt to the activities of the implicated cooperative. He accused them of making false declarations, complicity in the plunder of natural resources, and environmental degradation.
Legal Framework and Enforcement in the Mining Sector
Governor Bakomito emphasized the necessity for semi-industrial mining operations to adhere to a strict legal framework and obtain specific permits. He reiterated that mining cooperatives are restricted to artisanal mining activities.
The incident at the mining base in Haut-Uele underscores the challenges faced by the mining sector in the region, highlighting the delicate balance between economic development, environmental protection, and social responsibility.
As investigations continue and security measures are reinforced, the local authorities are working to restore trust and ensure the safety of all individuals involved in the mining industry in Haut-Uele.
Personal touch: As someone who values integrity and transparency in all facets of life, the news of the theft at the Chinese mining base in Haut-Uele is deeply concerning. It serves as a stark reminder of the complex issues facing the mining industry in the region and the importance of upholding ethical standards to promote sustainable development and community well-being. Let us reflect on how we can support responsible mining practices and advocate for accountability in the extraction of natural resources for the benefit of all stakeholders.