DR Congo rights group demands crackdown on mining mafias
Justicia ASBL wants the government to pursue criminal networks beyond illegal miners and seized ore.
The human rights organization JUSTICIA ASBL is urging the Congolese government to target the masterminds behind illegal mining in the Haut-Katanga and Lualaba provinces. The group acknowledged government actions, such as arresting illegal miners and seizing mineral shipments, but stated these measures do not address the core issue.
JUSTICIA ASBL spokesperson stated that the current arrests only capture low-level operators, leaving the larger criminal organizations untouched. The organization insists that dismantling these mafias is crucial to truly combat mining fraud and ensure fair resource management in the region.
The government's ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining are being closely watched by rights groups. JUSTICIA ASBL plans to continue advocating for comprehensive investigations into the full scope of mining fraud networks operating in the affected provinces.
Why it mattersThe people of Haut-Katanga and Lualaba provinces are directly affected by illegal mining and the associated criminal networks.