In a recent attack on a Chinese mining convoy transporting gold in northeast Congo, four people lost their lives, including two Chinese nationals.
The incident occurred on Friday, September 1, near the Kimbo river in the Fizi territory. Sammy Badibanga Kalonji, the local administrator confirmed the incident. Among the deceased were a Congolese soldier and a driver.
Additionally, three people sustained severe injuries, including another Congolese soldier and a worker. They are currently receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital.
The attackers managed to make away with a significant amount of gold from the convoy, which was owned by a Chinese mining company operating in the volatile South Kivu province. The specifics of the stolen gold remain undisclosed.
South Kivu, an eastern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has seen numerous Chinese companies mining gold and other minerals.
The region has been a hotspot for violence, with armed groups causing unrest for almost 30 years. Mining sites are often targeted, with over 120 armed factions vying for the region’s resources. Notably, a similar attack in 2022 resulted in the death of a Congolese worker from another Chinese mining firm.
In 2021, the Congolese government took action against illegal operations by suspending six Chinese mining companies in South Kivu. Furthermore, the government is in discussions to renegotiate a $6.2 billion mining contract with China, aiming for more favorable terms for the African nation since inception of the deal in 2008.
