The serene mining fields of Ituri province, a gold-rich region in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), were thrown into chaos on Thursday as an attack by the local militia group Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) resulted in the deaths of six Chinese nationals and at least two Congolese soldiers.
The attack occurred in the early hours of the day, with CODECO fighters launching a surprise assault on a mining site where the Chinese nationals were working.
According to eyewitnesses, the militia members arrived swiftly, catching the miners off-guard as they dug for gold, an activity that has long made the region a target for armed groups seeking to control its valuable resources.
Red Cross representatives, who were among the first to reach the scene, described a grim tableau. “The scene was chaotic and tragic,” said one representative who requested anonymity. “The miners were defenseless and caught completely by surprise.”
In Beijing, China’s foreign ministry confirmed the attack and expressed deep concern over the incident. Mao Ning, spokesperson for the ministry, addressed a press briefing on Thursday, revealing that the Chinese government is actively engaging with Congolese authorities to ensure the safety of their citizens and to search for any who might be missing.
“The attack on a private enterprise in the Democratic Republic of Congo has led to the tragic loss and disappearance of several Chinese citizens,” Mao said. “We are working closely with the DRC government to locate and rescue any missing personnel.”
The attack underscores the ongoing volatility in Ituri province, where various armed groups, including CODECO, have been vying for control over the region’s natural resources. This latest incident highlights the significant risks faced by foreign workers in the area, who are often caught in the crossfire of local conflicts.
DRC officials have yet to release detailed information about the attack or the identities of the victims. However, sources within the local government have indicated that a full investigation is underway, with security forces deployed to the region to prevent further violence.
For the families of the victims, both in China and the DRC, the attack is a stark reminder of the perils faced by those seeking to benefit from the region’s wealth of natural resources.
The Chinese embassy in Kinshasa has issued a statement urging all Chinese nationals in the DRC to exercise extreme caution and to avoid traveling to high-risk areas.
Authorities have commenced their search and rescue efforts, as the international community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to this tragic event and for increased security measures to protect those working in one of the world’s most dangerous mining regions.
