Youth League Demands Resignation Over Embezzlement Allegations at Gécamines
In a spirited protest organized in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga province, on October 31, 2023, the UDPS Youth League of the Lubumbashi 2 Federation voiced a strong demand for the resignation of Mr. Guy-Robert Lukama, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gécamines, and Mr. Léon Mwine, a member of the Board of Directors.
The accusations against them include embezzlement and the appropriation of excessive social benefits at the expense of employees and the company.
The President of the UDPS Youth League, Tshim Tshibaka, read out the statement, which demanded the immediate resignation of Léon Mwine and Guy-Robert Lukama.
This call follows the release of a report by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) accusing them of embezzling Gécamines funds amounting to $10 million.
The employees and their families are urging President Filix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo to uphold his mandate slogan, “the people first,” by bringing these individuals to justice.
Specifically, the young people and dependents of Gécamines are critical of Guy-Robert Lukama Nkunzi, the chairman of the state company’s board of directors, for granting himself a monthly income of around $191,000.
This is particularly troubling considering the numerous challenges that Gécamines faces in its recovery efforts and the welfare of its employees and executives.
It’s worth noting that during a meeting with the Board of Directors of Gécamines on March 7, 2023, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo emphasized the importance of responsible management of the nation’s mining resources for the benefit of the population.
Regrettably, these directives appear to have been disregarded in light of the recent IGF report and the allegations made by the UDPS Youth League of Lubumbashi 2, which includes some Gécamines employees and their families.
