MIBA Workers Demand Eight Months of Back Pay Amidst Protests in Mbuji-Mayi

Employees of the Société minière de Bakwanga (MIBA) in Mbuji-Mayi have escalated their protests, demanding eight months of overdue salary payments. Workers organized a sit-in on Friday, August 14, 2026, blocking access to the mining polygon's barrier. This action followed a similar protest on Tuesday that paralyzed access to the company's management offices. The week has been marked by these two significant demonstrations by MIBA staff. On Friday, tires were set ablaze at the Buzala gate, the main entrance to the mining site, further preventing entry. The Mbuji-Mayi mining polygon, located south of the city, is the operational heart of MIBA, covering over 45 square kilometers and holding an estimated 66 million carats of certified strategic diamond reserves. Geological surveys conducted approximately four years ago by Geostat identified 13 to 14 kimberlite clusters within this area. The current wave of protests centers on the demand for salaries owed from January to August 2026. Beyond the immediate wage arrears, workers are also calling for the effective relaunch of the company, which has been grappling with persistent financial difficulties. They highlighted that over 200 months of back pay have accumulated over previous years. Furthermore, the protesting workers are seeking transparency regarding a $50 million fund announced by the head of state intended for MIBA's revival.