The Institut de recherche sur les droits humains (IRDH) has called on the National Assembly to interpellate Democratic Republic of the Congo's Mining Minister, Louis Watum Kabamba, regarding the management of the case involving Congo Dongfang Mining (CDM). CDM is accused of causing pollution in the Kasapa, Kamatete, and Kamisepe neighborhoods of Lubumbashi. According to IRDH coordinator Hubert Tshiswaka Masoka, CDM has resumed operations despite not having its restrictive measures officially lifted by the government.
Tshiswaka Masoka expressed concerns over the government's inaction in addressing the environmental disasters caused by CDM's pollution. The interpellation requested from the Lower House of Parliament aims to obtain explanations from the minister on his handling of the situation. Tshiswaka accused Minister Watum Kabamba of being complacent in managing the case, with none of the victims' demands being met. CDM's activities have reportedly resumed without any explanation, despite a major pollution incident.
On November 4, the IRDH held a press conference, one year after the environmental damage caused by CDM's discharge of wastewater into the neighborhoods. Tshiswaka revealed that CDM has not fulfilled any of the population's demands, including paying $6 million in compensation, constructing at least five wells in each neighborhood, and signing a written agreement with the affected populations.
Tshiswaka stated that CDM has not applied any of the required measures, prompting the IRDH to recall these obligations to both CDM and the government. He also expressed disappointment over CDM's resumption of mining activities without the official lifting of the suspension imposed by the government, as the "preliminary conditions" have not been met.
In November 2025, CDM discharged a significant amount of wastewater from its retention basin into the neighborhoods, causing environmental damage. Investigations by environmentalists found that aquatic animals had died in the Lubumbashi River, and the water in local wells had been affected by acid. The incident has had a lasting impact on the environment and the local population.
The IRDH's call for the interpellation of Minister Watum Kabamba highlights the need for accountability in the management of environmental disasters in the DR Congo. The organization's efforts aim to ensure that those responsible for environmental damage are held accountable and that measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The situation surrounding CDM's alleged pollution and the government's response has raised concerns about the effectiveness of environmental regulations in the DR Congo. The IRDH's actions demonstrate the importance of civil society organizations in promoting environmental protection and advocating for the rights of affected communities.
Key points
- IRDH urges parliament to interpellate DR Congo's Mining Minister Louis Watum Kabamba over CDM's alleged pollution.
- CDM accused of causing pollution in Lubumbashi neighborhoods without fulfilling demands of affected populations.
- Environmental damage caused by CDM's discharge of wastewater remains unaddressed a year after incident.
