BUKAVU: Two Chinese nationals and two soldiers were killed as armed assailants attacked a Chinese-operated gold mine in the village of Misisi, located in eastern South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The attack occurred on Saturday night, as confirmed by local administrator Sammy Kalondji.
According to Kalondji, unidentified gunmen engaged in a firefight with soldiers who were guarding the mine. During the exchange, two soldiers and two Chinese nationals lost their lives. Additionally, three civilians, including one Chinese national and a Guinean interpreter, sustained gunshot wounds during the attack. The assailants managed to escape with “suitcases full of money, mobile phones, and documents,” Kalondji told AFP news agency.
The eastern region of DR Congo has been plagued by armed militias for decades, a grim legacy of the regional wars that erupted in the 1990s and 2000s. Incidents targeting mining sites, particularly in the gold-rich South Kivu province, are unfortunately common. Many Chinese nationals are involved in the mining industry in the area, making them vulnerable to such attacks.
This unfortunate incident comes shortly after another violent episode in the province last month when four individuals, including two Chinese nationals, lost their lives under similar circumstances. The ongoing security challenges in the region highlight the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure the safety of all individuals residing and working in the affected areas.
