President Kamerhe Urges Action Against Foreign Control of DRC’s Mining Sector
In a powerful address to the National Assembly, President Vital Kamerhe voiced strong concerns about the overwhelming presence of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese and Somalis, in the mining sites of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking on November 13, 2024, during a hearing with the Minister of Mines, Kamerhe painted a grim picture of the country’s mining situation, highlighting practices he deemed unacceptable.
He specifically called attention to the protection of foreign operations by certain national security forces. “The presence of Chinese and Somalis in all mining sites is disturbing.
When traveling from Bunia to Kisangani, one encounters scandalous pirate gas stations run by foreigners,” he said, accusing these foreign operators of benefiting from the protection of the Republican Guard, the FARDC (Armed Forces of the DRC), and the police.
Kamerhe emphasized that these practices have become commonplace in some provinces, particularly in Haut-Katanga and Lualaba.
“In these regions, even generals are granting access to mining sites,” he noted. His comments came during a session where the Minister of Mines provided an update on the sector’s working conditions, regulations, and challenges.
Kamerhe’s remarks raise critical questions about the role of local authorities and the apparent passivity of some officials in allowing foreign dominance over such an important sector of the Congolese economy.
He called for concrete measures to protect the nation’s natural resources and reaffirm Congolese sovereignty over its mineral wealth.
