Congo: 7 gold mine workers held hostage by militiamen

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo (AA) - Seven gold mine workers -- including a Frenchman and a Tanzanian -- are being held hostage by militiamen in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s east, according to authorities Friday.

Paul Lwaga, Maniema province’s senior security officer, told Anadolu Agency that the militiamen who attacked the Kabambare gold mine are demanding that land they claim -- especially plots with gold mines -- be returned.

“Seven workers of Bangu gold mine are being held hostage by militiamen from Bangu Bangu tribesmen in Salambila region in the territory of Kabambare. We are trying all we can to rescue them,” Lwaga said.

He, however, did not disclose the names of the kidnapped foreign workers, only revealing that they are nationals of France and Tanzania.

A local leader, Thomas Mboka, said that although the army wanted to use force to rescue the hostages, civil society and religious leaders opposed the idea due to concerns for the safety of hostages.

“Some leaders in the armed forces from the Kindu army base were preparing for a military operation to rescue the hostages, but civil society representatives and religious leaders have warned against any military intervention fearing that it could endanger the lives of the hostages,” he stressed.

Mboka said they have set up a committee led by a Catholic priest to negotiate with the Bangu Bangu community to secure the release of the hostages.

Eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo are rich in gold, and several militia groups have been formed by warlords accused of looting property and controlling some mines.