New Protests by Artisanal Miners Paralyze Several Neighborhoods in Kolwezi

Artisanal miners staged new protests on Monday, October 26, in several neighborhoods of Kolwezi, the capital of Lualaba province. Barricades and burning tires in Mutoshi and Tshamundenda disrupted traffic, businesses and classes; looting was also reported in Musonoie, while residents in Kasulo organized to protect shops. Chemaf employees left their work site amid fears of further unrest, and parents hurried to collect their children from school. The miners are protesting difficulties selling their minerals, which they link to disruptions in the purchasing chain following the expulsion of Chinese nationals staying in the country illegally.