Concerns Rise Over Military Presence at Mining Sites in Maniema Province
Local civil society in the Maniema province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is raising alarm over the presence of DRC armed forces at various mining sites in the Lubutu territory.
Jean Pierre Mutolo Mumbere, President of the active forces of civil society, highlights that this military presence poses a threat to the security of peaceful citizens in areas like Masaba, Nzigida, Cholo, Magiatani, Etogo, and others.
Mutolo condemns the reported actions of certain soldiers against the local population, including harassment and torture, and urges political and administrative authorities to address the situation promptly to prevent further escalation.
Notably, last October, several mining areas in Lubutu and Kabakaba fell under the control of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC).
Local organizations clarified that there were no clashes and emphasized that these areas should not be confused with Bunagana, an eastern DRC region controlled by the M23.
