Lualaba: One Dead, Two Injured in Armed Attack on Mining Site

A violent armed assault on the "Indépendance" mining site in Mutshatsha, located in the Lualaba province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has left one soldier dead and two others seriously wounded. The attack, which occurred during the night of July 30, has reignited debate over the controversial presence of military personnel on mining concessions.

The victim, a soldier from the Republican Guard assigned to guard the site, was reportedly asleep in a sentry post when assailants attacked. Local sources indicate that the soldier's weapon and ammunition were stolen. A young woman and an industrial guard were also injured in the incident and have been transported to Kolwezi for medical treatment.

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The military personnel assigned to guard the Independence mining site was surprised by the assailants while he was sleeping in a sentry box.

The Nouvelle Société civile congolaise (NSCC) in Kisanfu has strongly condemned the attack, demanding a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and clarify the circumstances. The organization highlighted that the soldier's weapon and ammunition were taken, suggesting the attackers were armed.

Adding complexity to the situation, the NSCC reported that illegal miners are occupying the "Indépendance" quarry. Among these individuals are reportedly people claiming ties to the presidential family. The NSCC is calling on both the concessionary company, COMIDE, and provincial authorities to enhance security at the site and accelerate the process of returning the mining operation to the local community, which is currently in negotiation with COMIDE for the site's concession.

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His weapon and ammunition were stolen by the bandits.