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Chinese Miners Released Despite Operating Illegally in the DRC, Sparking Outrage

On December 24, 2024, the Congolese government released 14 of the 17 Chinese nationals arrested the previous week for operating an illegal gold mine in Karhembo, South Kivu Province. The arrests had followed an unannounced raid by local authorities on the unlicensed mining operation. The released individuals are now en route back to China, while the Chinese embassy in Kinshasa has yet to issue a statement on the matter.

The South Kivu finance minister and acting mines minister, Bernard Muhindo, revealed that the detained men had no identification at the time of their arrest. During a press conference in Bukavu, the detainees were not handcuffed and did not address journalists, sparking speculation about their treatment and the integrity of the process.

The decision to release the men has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, who stated, “They owed us $10 million in unpaid taxes and fines.” Governor Sadiki’s frustration reflects broader concerns about the enforcement of mining regulations in the mineral-rich eastern DRC.

Despite the arrest of 17 Chinese nationals—out of an estimated 60 Chinese workers present at the site—Congolese authorities appear hesitant to pursue more robust action against illegal mining operations. Muhindo clarified the government’s stance, saying, “The idea is not to go on a manhunt, but rather to clean up the mining sector so reliable partners can work properly and legally.”

The release of the miners comes against the backdrop of ongoing instability in the eastern DRC, a region plagued by over 250 armed groups vying for control of its abundant reserves of cobalt, copper, gold, and other minerals. President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration has struggled to restore peace and security, leaving approximately 7.1 million people internally displaced.

In an attempt to combat the M23 rebels, who are reportedly supported by 4,000 Rwandan soldiers and have captured significant territory since 2021, President Tshisekedi has sought external military support. This includes hiring a 20-member Bulgarian team from Agemira, a security consultancy firm, and deploying 800 mercenaries from the Romanian military company RALF to protect key locations, such as Goma and the strategic town of Sake in North Kivu Province.

With the DRC’s armed forces numbering 100,000 active service members, critics question why foreign mercenaries are being relied upon for security. Meanwhile, local officials and citizens alike express growing frustration with the government’s inability to hold illegal miners accountable and bring stability to the region.

As the DRC grapples with the challenges of illegal mining and persistent conflict, many are left wondering whether the current administration’s approach will truly “clean up” the mining sector or simply allow powerful interests to operate unchecked.

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