DRC Chamber of Mines Honors Former President Louis Watum at Kinshasa Gala
On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the Chamber of Mines of the Democratic Republic of Congo held a special dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Kinshasa to honor Louis Watum, its former President and newly appointed Minister of Industry in the Suminwa Government.
John Nkono, Secretary General of the Congolese Business Federation (FEC), spoke on behalf of the FEC President, conveying congratulations to Watum.
Nkono recalled that just a week prior, FEC executives had celebrated Watum and his two colleagues appointed in the new government.
“The President advised them to remember their origins and be advocates for our issues,” Nkono said. “Minister Watum has always been a collaborative and consultative leader.”
Nkono praised Watum’s deep understanding of the industrial sector, stressing the importance of a robust industry for national development.
He expressed concern over the gap left by Watum’s departure from the Chamber of Mines, noting that Watum had recently received a second mandate and was in the process of restructuring the Chamber.
“He had embarked on an ambitious restructuring project,” Nkono remarked with emotion. “Now, who will oversee this without his guidance?”
Despite his absence, Nkono expressed hope that Watum’s insights would continue to benefit the industry. He urged that Watum’s contributions should remain valued, even from afar.
In response, Minister Watum expressed heartfelt gratitude and joy. He thanked God for his appointment and called on Congolese citizens to take action to improve their own situation.
“If we don’t act, our children will be managed by expatriates, and we will be left questioning what happened to the Congo that Lumumba envisioned,” Watum stated.
The evening concluded with a testimonial from Mrs. Bernadette Mpundu, who spoke about her four years of working with Watum at Kamoa. She highlighted his contributions to the Chamber of Mines and his guidance.
Watum previously served as Chairman of the Board of Kamoa and President of the Chamber of Mines before his appointment as Minister of Industry and SMEs.
