The government of the Central African Republic has taken decisive action against a Chinese mining company operating within its borders. In an official decree, the government suspended the activities of Daqing SARL, citing alleged collaboration with armed militias and a litany of other infractions.
The Ministry of Mines accused Daqing SARL, a prominent player in gold and diamond mining, of various offenses, including ties with armed groups, unauthorized mining, illegal employment of foreign nationals, tax evasion, and failure to submit activity reports. The decree, made public on Saturday, underscores the seriousness of the allegations.
Daqing SARL’s operations were primarily centered in Mingala, a town in the southern region of the country. Mingala has been a hotspot for conflict between government forces and the Coalition of Patriots for Change, an armed group opposing the government.
The Central African Republic has been grappling with internal strife since 2013, when rebel factions, primarily composed of Muslims, ousted President François Bozize. This triggered a violent backlash from Christian militias, plunging the nation into a protracted conflict.
Although a peace agreement was brokered in 2019, tensions persist, with several armed groups refusing to comply. The emergence of the Coalition of Patriots for Change in 2020 further complicated the situation, exacerbating security challenges in mineral-rich areas.
Despite its vast mineral wealth, particularly in gold and diamonds, the Central African Republic remains mired in poverty, with rebel groups often exploiting the instability to their advantage. Foreign companies, including those of Chinese origin, have faced significant security risks in their operations.
Recent incidents have underscored the perilous environment for foreign investors. Last month, an attack on a Chinese-operated gold mine claimed the lives of four workers, with local authorities attributing the violence to the Coalition of Patriots for Change. Similarly, nine Chinese nationals lost their lives in a separate attack on a gold mine last year, further highlighting the dangers faced by foreign entities.
The government’s move to suspend Daqing SARL’s activities reflects its commitment to tackling illicit activities within the mining sector and restoring stability in conflict-affected areas. However, the broader challenge of ensuring security and fostering responsible mining practices remains a formidable task for the Central African Republic.
