Haut-Uele: Residents block Kibali Gold vehicles in Faradje to demand compensation after spill into the Tanzi River

Since October 22, residents of Abinva village in Faradje territory have been blocking Kibali Gold Mines vehicles after a chemical load spilled into the Tanzi River on September 29. Nearby residents report skin lesions, dead fish and damaged water pumps, and are demanding compensation and cleanup of the river. Samson Tandema, president of Faradje’s civil society group, says nearly 11 people have been hospitalized without assistance from the company. Kibali Gold disputes claims that the load was toxic and says it was lime.