DRC: Local militia releases four kidnapped mine workers May 27

Event

According to the interior ministry, on Saturday, May 27, militiamen freed a French National and three Congolese workers who had been kidnapped overnight February 28-March 1 at the Banro Corp's Namoya gold mine, located in eastern Maniema province. A Tanzanian national also kidnapped that night had already been freed. The individuals were released in nearby Salamabila. The Rahiya Mutomboki militia, who demanded a USD 1 million ransom, are suspected to be behind the abduction; it is unclear whether or not a ransom was paid.

Context

Kidnapping for ransom is an significant threat in eastern regions of the DRC. There have been a growing number of attacks against  mine workers and NGOs operating in the region, a manifestation of the state’s limited presence in the eastern provinces and the presence of numerous armed groups and local self-defense militias (Maï-Maï militias). In March, two members of a UN Group of Experts - a Swede and a US national - were kidnapped and subsequently killed in Kasai-Central province, which has also seen an uptick in violence. 

Meanwhile, mining companies operating in the eastern Kivu provinces face additional threats from local unrest, in addition to theft; armed robbers attacked the Banro's Twangiza gold mine in South Kivu province in February, killing three police officers.

Advice

The risk of kidnap in the DRC remains very high. Moreover, the ongoing political process risks the outbreak of violent civil unrest, including in the capital Kinshasa. Individuals present in the DRC are advised to exercise caution and maintain a low profile at all times. For these and other security reasons, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country.