DRC Shuts Down Illegal Chinese Gold Mine in Watsa
Minister Watum Kabamba Leads Crackdown on Illegal Gold Mine in Watsa
Watsa, Haut-Uélé Province — In a decisive move to restore order and legality to the mining sector, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba led a forceful operation in Watsa territory that resulted in the shutdown of a large-scale illegal gold mining operation run by Chinese nationals. The action marks a major milestone in the government’s campaign against mining predation and lawlessness.
A High-Profile Raid in Gatanga
Under the blazing sun and clouds of dust rising from the mining tracks of Durba, Watsa territory, Minister Louis Watum Kabamba arrived with a high-level delegation — including the governor of Haut-Uélé, national deputies, and members of the Provincial Security Council — to inspect reports of illegal gold exploitation on a concession legally owned by Kibali Gold Mines in Gatanga village.
What they found exceeded expectations: an unauthorized industrial mining site, fully equipped with bulldozers, crushers, and excavators, operating day and night without valid permits, licenses, or residence documentation. The operators had even built their own roads, bypassing oversight from state agencies such as the Office des Routes and OVD.
“It was a state within a state,” remarked one parliamentarian present during the operation.
A Swift and Firm Response from the State
Confronted with evidence of large-scale illegal activity, Minister Watum Kabamba acted immediately — ordering the arrest of all offenders, the seizure of equipment, and the immediate suspension of operations. The decision was strongly supported by provincial authorities, including the governor of Haut-Uélé and the Provincial Security Council.
“Mining must benefit the Congolese people — not outlaws,” declared the minister. “We will restore order and legality to a sector too long plagued by fraud, corruption, and local complicity.”
Images captured after the operation show massive craters, abandoned heavy machinery, and hundreds of Congolese workers left behind after months of exploitation — many of them without contracts, protection, or fair pay.
This intervention is part of a broader reform agenda led by Minister Watum Kabamba since his appointment. Determined to revive and regulate one of the country’s most vital economic sectors, he has consistently pledged to combat illegal operations and ensure that mining revenues benefit the Congolese nation.
By directly confronting a foreign network exploiting gold illegally on an international concession, the minister sent a strong signal: the Congolese state is reclaiming control over its natural resources.
This operation reflects the government’s growing commitment to economic sovereignty and responsible resource management, key pillars of President Félix Tshisekedi’s development vision.
An End to Impunity?
For the residents of Watsa, the operation represents a long-awaited moment of justice.
“This is the first time a minister has come here to act, not just to talk,” said a local elder.
Authorities have confirmed that legal proceedings will be initiated against the foreign operators, their local accomplices, and any officials who may have facilitated the illicit activities.
“Never again will there be mining anarchy in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Minister Watum Kabamba asserted. “The law applies to everyone — without exception.”
A New Era for Mining Governance
The Watsa operation stands as one of the most visible and symbolic anti-fraud actions in recent years, underscoring the government’s determination to end impunity and ensure transparency in the mining industry.
If sustained, this new era of enforcement could transform the Congolese mining landscape, replacing decades of silence and complicity with accountability, legality, and national pride in the country’s immense natural wealth.
