In the southeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the pursuit of strategic minerals is increasingly encroaching on community forests, sparking concerns among local residents about their land, livelihoods, and environment. The village of Lukutwe, located in Haut-Katanga province, is a prime example of this trend, where community members claim that mining expansion is threatening their protected forest concessions.
The Lukutwe community forest concession, legally managed by local people, is facing mounting pressure from foreign companies seeking to extract copper and cobalt, essential minerals for the global energy transition. Valérie Kyembo, president of the concession, points to a road cutting through the forest, which has been restricted by mining operators, preventing residents from accessing their own land. This has raised concerns about the ability of local communities to monitor and manage their concessions effectively.
Forest rangers in the area have also reported instances of intimidation and attempted land grabs. Corneille Makonga, a forest ranger, recalled an incident where a powerful individual arrived with heavy machinery, claiming to have purchased the community’s forest despite the villagers holding official documents. This incident highlights the challenges faced by local communities in protecting their land rights.
Beyond the issue of access, residents are also warning of environmental damage caused by mining activities. Véronique Sebente, a member of the community forest committee, noted that mining waste released into the Lwafi River during the dry season has killed fish and destroyed farmland. The once fertile tomato fields in the area are now producing rotten, insect-infested crops, making farming impossible.
As the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mineral wealth continues to fuel global demand, communities like Lukutwe are finding themselves caught between protecting their forests and the pressures of a booming mining industry. The situation highlights the need for a balanced approach that takes into account the rights and interests of local communities, while also addressing the global demand for strategic minerals. The Congolese government and international stakeholders must work together to ensure that the mining industry operates in a responsible and sustainable manner, respecting the rights of local communities and mitigating environmental damage.
