Congo releases 14 of 17 Chinese men detained in illegal gold mining crackdown – Firstpost

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have released 14 of 17 Chinese nationals arrested last week on suspicion of operating an illegal gold mine, officials said late Tuesday (Dec. 24).

The men, now on their way to China, were arrested along with Congolese and Burundian nationals after failing to provide proper documentation during a crackdown on unlicensed mining in South Kivu province.

South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Bouroussi Siddiqui expressed shock at their release, claiming the miners owed the government $10 million in unpaid taxes and fines.

The authorities said that the raid targeted a site where about 60 Chinese citizens were present, and officials arrested 17 believed to be responsible.

China remains silent

The Chinese embassy in Kinshasa did not comment on this release. The Burundi embassy said it was still awaiting updates from its representative in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu.

Bernard Muhindo, South Kivu’s acting minister of mines, said the government’s goal was to regulate mining operations.

“The idea is not to go on a witch hunt, but to clean up the mining sector so that trusted partners can operate properly and legally,” Muhindo told reporters.

Congo conflict over mining

Congo’s mineral-rich central and eastern regions have long been plagued by illegal mining and the involvement of armed groups. The country boasts vast reserves of cobalt, copper and gold, but has struggled to limit exploitation by unlicensed companies and militias.

The eastern provinces are characterized by dense forests and rugged terrain, and are home to many industrial and artisanal mines. Many are controlled by militias and employ enslaved workers, including children, according to government reports.

The government’s stabilization agency said last year that more than 250 local and 14 foreign armed groups were active in eastern Congo, often fighting over mining operations and resources. Neighboring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, have also been involved in the region’s conflicts over the past three decades.

Competition over control of mines and resources has fueled ongoing violence, especially near the border with Rwanda.

With input from agencies