DRC Nobel Peace Prize Winner Criticizes Primera Gold Contract
The 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Dr. Denis Mukwege, strongly criticized the contract between the DRC and Primera Gold during a rally in Bukavu organized by Catholic youth on Sunday, August 27th.
Addressing a crowd of mostly young people, Dr Mukwege expressed concern about the exploitation of Kivu’s resources: “It is unacceptable that a company obtains a monopoly on Kivu’s gold for a nominal fee, depriving thus the Congolese have colossal incomes.”
The firm, which is said to have exported more than 3,000 kilos of gold in one half-year, the equivalent of 190 million USD, defends its balance sheet by highlighting the modernization of its processes and its contribution to the fight against fraud. However, many civil society actors, including the organization “Congo is not for sale” (CNPAV), are calling for more transparency.
Dr. Mukwege’s accusations were not limited to the national level. He also questioned the involvement of the United Arab Emirates: “Why would they seek to embezzle funds from the Congolese people?”
Amid growing distrust of mining companies, Dr Mukwege urged youth to mobilize: “If there are 10,000 of us protesting, think of the impact that could have.”
The case is also causing a stir in the Congolese Parliament. National MP Alfred Maisha has raised questions about the controversial contract as mining operators face investigations and arrests.
Despite these controversies, Nicolas Kazadi, Minister of Finance, defended the agreement, calling it strategic for the economic development of the DRC.
The tension is palpable and the coming weeks could well define the future relations between mining companies, the administration and the Congolese population
