An American-owned Kibali Mining Company, operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC is on the spot after allegations of incitement emerged. A section of Congolese employees drawn from Chinese firms in Mambasa territory, Ituri Province is accusing Kibali Mining Company of inciting unrest among local workers.
The workers argued that the situation is fueling attacks targeting Chinese firms and consequently affecting their operations.
According to the worried workers who issued a statement, Kibali Mining representatives have allegedly incited them against their Chinese employers, citing a number of issues including forced labor and exploitative remuneration that amount to labor abuse.
“We are being manipulated to cause chaos and unrest against the very companies that give us work. This pressure is not only unjustified but could drive us toward an economic and security crisis,” read part of statement.
Notably, the Congolese workers hold that Kibali Mining has turned to labor tactics to destabilize Chinese business operations since they rule the local mining industry in Mambasa.
They are worried that the incitement could severely dent their livelihoods and plunge the region into deadly clashes.
“These provocations are dangerous. They are pushing us toward suspension of work and greater insecurity in the region,” said the workers.
Kibali Mining on the spot
In addition, the workers alleged that the American-owned firm was also funding armed groups in the region ostensibly to disrupt operations at Chinese-run mining sites.
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They stated: “This company deals with armed bandits across Mambasa to destabilize the economic fabric,” the statement read. “Chinese workers have been killed, companies looted, and security forces ambushed, all reportedly with Kibali’s backing.”
The letter revealed that of a Chinese national and a Congolese police officer allegedly died after an attack on a Chinese firm, with the workers claiming that they had witnessed such attacks linked to Kibali Mining.
Following the developments, the workers now want the government to investigate the matter and establish its gravity. They called for a probe into the operations of Kibali Mining based on the allegations.
“We demand that these companies respect the Congolese people and the Congolese labor force. Our security and dignity are not for sale,” the group said.
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Kibali Gold Mine is one of Africa’s largest gold operations. It’s a joint venture comprising of Barrick Gold (a Canadian American company), AngloGold Ashanti, and the Congolese government.
While the mine has had huge economic impact, it has also come under sharp focus with regards to compliance with labor laws, environmental impact and its role in armed conflict in the region.
Chinese companies in the DRC have also faced criticism over labor laws and environmental damage stemming from mining operations.
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