Kolwezi civil society denounces ‘opacity’ in issuing residence and work permits to Chinese nationals in DR Congo

Civil society representatives in Kolwezi, in Lualaba province, denounce a lack of transparency in issuing residence and work permits to Chinese nationals. Their reaction follows a General Directorate of Migration operation the previous week that led to the detention of several expatriates reportedly staying in the country illegally. Activist Léonard Zama is calling for severe penalties for mining companies and processing plants that employ or shelter people without valid documents. Albert Ibonga of the NGO African Witness for Peace and Justice instead urges authorities to review cases individually and grant a reasonable moratorium for people to regularize their status.