Beijing to sanction law-breaking Chinese companies in DR Congo, says head of African affairs
"China will punish its own companies if they break laws in the Democratic Republic of Congo", 15 September 2021
Following the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) suspension of Chinese companies over illegal activities, Beijing said it will impose sanctions on the businesses if they are found guilty. They must also leave South Kivu province, according to Wu Peng, the director-general of the department of African Affairs at China’s foreign ministry. [...]
Last month, Governor Théo Ngwabidje Kasi of South Kivu province suspended six gold mining companies—some Chinese-owned and others working with the Chinese—in order to “restore order to semi-industrial mining” and protect “the interests of the local population, the environment and respect for human rights,” AFP reported. This followed weeks of tension between the companies and the community, who accused them of labor and environmental abuses.
On Monday, local residents protested by blocking a road and burning tires to demand that the companies cease their operations, saying they were still operating despite the governor’s directive. [...]
Moreover, the related companies will be punished and sanctioned by Chinese government. The related authorities of Fujian and other provinces are conducting investigations & will take measures. We'll never allow Chinese companies in #Africa to violate local laws and regulations.
— 吴鹏 Wu Peng (@WuPeng_MFAChina) September 14, 2021