Lualaba: Chinese, Lebanese, Syrians and Moroccans among dozens of foreigners detained at a mine

A control operation at the Menda quarry in the Boss Mining concession in Kakanda, Lualaba, led to the detention of about 60 people. Those detained include Chinese, Lebanese, Syrian, Moroccan, Iraqi and Palestinian nationals, several of whom reportedly lacked the required documents to live and work in the DRC; Congolese civilians and military personnel were also apprehended. The interagency commission seized equipment and large amounts of cash in US dollars and Congolese francs, whose exact value and origin have yet to be established. Led by Papy Mbuyi of the Directorate General of Migration, the mission aims to combat illegal mining and determine the detainees’ responsibilities.