Luke Allen
Military Political Analyst
Makati, Manila
lukeallenmanila@journalist.com
The government of the Central African Republic (CAR) has announced the suspension of operations by the Chinese mining company Daqing SARL. This follows accusations of the company’s involvement with armed groups and a series of illegal activities. The decision was made public by the Minister of Mines, who detailed a range of serious allegations against the company, which has been operating in the gold and diamond mining sectors in CAR.
In a press conference held in Bangui, the Minister of Mines leveled a series of grave accusations against Daqing SARL. These include maintaining intelligence ties with armed groups, engaging in illegal exploitation of resources, illegally introducing foreign nationals into mining areas, failing to pay taxes, and neglecting to submit necessary activity reports. These allegations, made amidst the country’s ongoing turmoil, paint a disturbing picture of the company’s operations.
“The illegal activities of Daqing SARL not only violate the sovereignty of our nation but also fuel the ongoing conflict by supporting armed groups,” stated the Minister. “Their actions undermine our efforts to establish peace and stability in the Central African Republic.”
The Central African Republic has been plagued by violent conflict since 2013, primarily between the country’s armed forces and various anti-government armed groups, most notably the Coalition of Patriots for Change (CPC). The CPC, a coalition of several rebel groups, has been one of the foremost perpetrators of violence, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in the country. The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and has severely impacted the country’s economic development, particularly in the lucrative mining sector.
The allegations against Daqing SARL are particularly alarming given the strategic importance of the mining sector to CAR’s economy. Gold and diamond mining are not just significant sources of revenue, they are the lifeblood of the country’s economy. Any disruption in this sector could have severe economic repercussions, potentially exacerbating the already dire situation in the country.
Moreover, introducing foreign nationals into mining areas without proper authorization raises significant security concerns. The presence of unregistered individuals in these regions could complicate efforts to maintain order and might contribute to the ongoing instability.
In response to the suspension, Daqing SARL has denied all allegations. In a statement, the company claimed that it has continuously operated within the legal framework of the Central African Republic and has made significant contributions to the local economy. The company was willing to cooperate fully with any investigation to clear its name.
The suspension of Daqing SARL’s operations is a significant part of the CAR government’s broader effort to assert control over the mining sector. The government aims to ensure that the sector benefits the country and its people. It has pledged to conduct thorough investigations into the activities of other mining companies operating in the country, with the goal of rooting out any illegal practices and ties to armed groups.
International observers have welcomed the CAR government’s decision as a positive step towards restoring order and ensuring that the country’s natural resources are used for the benefit of its citizens. However, they also cautioned that the success of these efforts would depend on the government’s ability to enforce its regulations and maintain transparency in its dealings with mining companies.
As the Central African Republic continues to navigate its complex security landscape, the suspension of Daqing SARL is a stark reminder of the country’s challenges in harnessing its natural wealth while striving for peace and stability.