By RFIPalled on 30-09-2019Modified on 30-09-2019 at 11:13
In the DRC, the Canadian gold company Banro announced Saturday that it is suspending its operations in Maniema. In a correspondence addressed to the General Labor Inspectorate, the general director of this firm mentions security reasons. Authorities in Maniema province, presumably opposed to this decision, say they have begun negotiations with Banro.
Banro Mining is a thousand jobs in Maniema. Governor Auguy Musafiri Nkola is very concerned about this situation, which is not new. According to him, talks with the leaders of the gold company are ongoing. By Wednesday, the solution will be found, reassures the Governor Musafiri attached to the phone. He reveals that he has also spoken with Sheik Asssani, the leader of the Malaïka militia, who is responsible for the insecurity and abuses denounced by Banro's managing director.
For Brett Richards, these militiamen are not on their first shot. Harassment, raids on Banro supply lines and even attacks on the Namoya mine site itself are very common. At the end of July, four employees, including two foreigners , had been abducted by militia and the director-general had been forced to sign a memorandum of understanding for their release.
According to this Memorandum of Understanding, Banro is to temporarily cede Mwendamboko Hill to the local community for the artisanal mining of gold. And it is the rebel leader, the leader of the Malayka who has been appointed president of the artisanal diggers.
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