Three Chinese Nationals Arrested with Gold Bars and Cash in DR Congo

CDCongo, Democratic Republic|

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have arrested three Chinese nationals who were found in possession of 12 gold bars and $800,000 in cash. The arrests took place in the South Kivu province, as the gold and money were discovered hidden under the seats of their vehicle during a covert operation launched in response to a tip-off.

Jean Jacques Purusi, the governor of South Kivu, reported that the operation had to be conducted discreetly due to previous controversies surrounding the release of other Chinese nationals implicated in illegal mining activities in the region. This area is known for its rich deposits of gold, diamonds, and minerals, which have been significantly exploited by foreign entities, contributing to decades of instability driven by militia dominance over local mines.

Purusi expressed concern regarding the connections between some metal dealers and influential figures in Kinshasa, indicating that this network complicates efforts to regulate the mineral sector and fight against illegal mining operations. The recent arrests underscore ongoing challenges faced by the Congolese government in combatting corruption and managing its mineral wealth.

These developments come amid escalating violence in the neighboring North Kivu province, where Rwanda-backed rebel groups have gained control over substantial territories.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Congo, Democratic Republic

UNICEF Reports Alarming Rise in Child Rape Cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In a chilling report, UNICEF revealed that a child is sexually abused every half hour in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to spokesperson James Elder. This horrifying statistic underscores the extreme violence children face amid ongoing conflicts in the region, particularly from the M23 rebel group, which has made significant territorial gains this year. Elder reported that between 35 and 45 percent of nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence documented in January and February involved children. Elder described the situation as a systemic crisis, highlighting instances such as a 13-year-old girl who became pregnant after a rape and required a cesarean section due to her young age. UNICEF is calling for continued financial support for their programs, warning that a lack of funds could jeopardize assistance for 250,000 children affected by sexual violence. The humanitarian crisis has prompted over 230,000 people to flee their homes as violence escalates in the region. Experts predict ongoing conflicts may persist for months, further exacerbating the plight of vulnerable populations in the DRC.
CDCongo, Democratic Republic

Mysterious Disease Claims Lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

An unidentified disease with symptoms resembling Ebola has emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), resulting in over 60 fatalities and 1,000 reported infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that the outbreak was first noted on January 21 in the village of Boloko, where three children died shortly after consuming bat carcasses. Symptoms including fever, headaches, and hemorrhaging have plagued the victims, yet tests have ruled out Ebola and Marburg viruses as causes. Subsequent cases have been recorded in Bomate, located several hundred kilometers from Boloko, but a connection between the two clusters has not been established. The time from symptom onset to death is alarmingly short, averaging 48 hours for those who succumbed. In response, a national rapid response team from Kinshasa has been deployed to enhance disease surveillance and provide medical treatment. Samples from affected individuals are undergoing further testing, including examinations for meningitis. The WHO noted that zoonotic spillover events are increasing in Africa, raising concerns regarding potential unidentified pathogens.
CDCongo, Democratic Republic

Mysterious Illness in Congo Claims Over 50 Lives, WHO on Alert

A mysterious illness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has resulted in 53 deaths among 419 reported cases since its emergence on January 21, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease, first linked to children consuming bat meat, presents symptoms including fever, vomiting, and internal bleeding, with most fatalities occurring within 48 hours of onset. Health authorities in Equateur province are particularly concerned about the rapid progression of the illness. Serge Ngalebato, medical director of Bikoro Hospital, emphasized the alarming nature of the short interval from symptom onset to death. As of February 16, the WHO confirmed cases spread across remote villages. Investigations are ongoing to determine the disease's cause, with researchers noting symptoms consistent with hemorrhagic fever typical of viruses like Ebola. However, extensive testing has ruled out known viruses, raising further questions about the illness's origin. The WHO's spokesperson acknowledged the heightened risk facilitated by the DRC's limited healthcare infrastructure and highlighted a broader concern regarding zoonotic diseases, which have surged by 60% over the past decade.
CDCongo, Democratic Republic
All Congo, Democratic Republic News ->