While it is still early in 2025, Gécamines has been very busy, and we look forward to providing you periodic updates – but this post concerns the ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
We strongly condemn the recent hostilities by the M23 rebel group in the eastern DRC. The violence has caused immense suffering, displacement, and disruption to the lives of thousands of people who are forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The relentless attacks on civilians, including women and children, by armed groups have resulted in unimaginable suffering, mass displacement, and widespread human rights abuses.
Gécamines stands in solidarity with the people of eastern DRC during this difficult time and urges M23 and their Rwandan backers to immediately cease hostilities. The international community and the United Nations Security Council have condemned the M23, called for their withdrawal, and called their efforts to establish parallel administrations “illegitimate.” We share their condemnation and also stand in full support of the efforts of His Excellency President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the DRC.
Gécamines operations have not been interrupted, but the belligerents in the East are looting our country’s mineral wealth. This must stop. Sustainable peace can only be achieved through respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.
— Chairman Guy Robert Lukama & Managing Director Placide Nkala Basadilua
