Mayor of Mbuji-Mayi Cracks Down on Illegal Diamond Mining in Residential Areas
In Mbuji-Mayi, the capital of the Kasaï-Orientale province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an old practice has resurfaced: artisanal miners are digging for diamonds in residential plots. The consequences of such mining have prompted the town’s mayor to issue a stern warning to those involved.
After conducting a raid, Jean-Marie Lutumba, Mayor of Mbuji-Mayi, condemned the illicit exploitation, which is reportedly occurring with the complicity of certain members of the FARDC (Armed Forces of the DRC) and the police.
“I have invited the head of the hydro mine police for a meeting to identify these complicit officers. We need to determine which police units they belong to. The State must not allow this to continue, and several arrests will be made,” announced Jean-Marie Lutumba.
The mayor has alerted district heads where these illegal activities are occurring and reminded property owners that their contracts with the Congolese state do not authorize unauthorized subsoil exploitation.
In Kasaï-Orientale, illegal diamond mining in residential areas is not a new issue. During the dry season, neighborhoods such as PH, Tubondo, Mulamba wa Mpoyi, Kanshi, and Croix Rouge frequently see this practice resurface. Despite repeated bans, these activities persist due to their negative environmental impact.
