A Congolese court has handed down a seven-year prison sentence to three Chinese citizens arrested with gold bars and $400,000 in cash, convicting them of illegal activities related to the artisanal mining sector. This marks the first trial of Chinese nationals since the Democratic Republic of Congo’s intensified crackdown on unlicensed mining operations, particularly in the mineral-rich and conflict-stricken eastern region.
Christian Wanduma, a lawyer representing local communities, emphasized the trial’s significance as a warning to Chinese nationals engaging in mining without proper authorization: “This trial should serve as a wake-up call to those who think they can operate freely in Congo without following the law.”
The three defendants were found guilty on charges of money laundering, illegal acquisition of mineral resources, and other offenses. However, they were cleared of fraud and illegal mineral extraction due to insufficient evidence. While the accused admitted guilt to four charges, they claimed ignorance of Congolese law before their arrest on January 4. They plan to appeal the verdict.
In addition to their sentences, the court imposed a $600,000 fine on the defendants and banned them from returning to Congo after completing their prison terms.
Congo has long struggled with unregulated exploitation of its abundant cobalt, copper, gold, and other valuable minerals by both illegal miners and armed groups. Recent protests erupted in Bukavu after a separate group of Chinese nationals suspected of illegal mining was released, highlighting growing frustration over foreign exploitation of the country’s resources, while local communities continue to face severe poverty and underdevelopment.
Local civil society leader Nene Bintu expressed the widespread discontent: “Our resources are being plundered, and yet our communities suffer from inadequate infrastructure, access to clean water, healthcare, and education. This must end now.”
In 2021, authorities had already taken action by banning six Chinese-owned mining firms for operating illegally in the country.