Kinshasa, October 5th, 2026 (CPA).- An independent inquiry was requested on Monday from the judicial authorities of the Democratic Republic of Congo to establish who is responsible for the pollution of the Tanzi River in Haut-Uele, a province in the north-east of the country, according to a statement seen by the CPA. “We are calling for an independent, impartial, transparent and thorough investigation to be launched in order to establish the exact circumstances of the incident, the potential liability of any natural or legal person, as well as any administrative or supervisory responsibilities that may be involved. Any criminal liability established in accordance with the law must result in appropriate legal proceedings, including against any perpetrators, co-perpetrators, accomplices or those in charge who contributed to the events,” we have read in the statement from the organization “The Cry of Congo’s Victims for Human Rights (CVC-DH)”. This organisation, which has alerted the relevant authorities and national and international mechanisms for the protection of civilian populations to this pollution of the Tanzi River and several surrounding watercourses, stated – based on information gathered locally – that a drum from a Kibali Gold Mining vehicle “is reported to have spilled acidic substances into the river”.
The source has also reported that initial reports indicate the death of several aquatic species, raising fears of significant consequences for the ecosystem, public health, access to water and the livelihoods of riverside and indigenous communities.
They further indicated that potential exposure to the chemicals in question may also pose health risks requiring an ‘urgent and independent’ environmental and health assessment.
‘The CVC-DH expresses its deep concern at the inadequate institutional response reported at provincial level and calls on the competent authorities to take, without delay, all necessary precautionary measures to secure the contaminated sites, impose a preventive ban on the use of potentially affected water, carry out scientific analyses of samples, inform communities and provide care for those who may have been exposed,’ read in the statement. Furthermore, the text states that the CVC-DH is calling for effective access to justice for the victims and affected communities. “The CVC-DH also calls for victims and affected communities to be granted effective access to justice, information, healthcare, redress and the restoration of their environment, in accordance with the applicable principles of human rights and environmental protection,” it is emphasized. According to the document, the protection of civilians and their environment is a fundamental responsibility of the State. The people of Haut-Uélé deserve a prompt, transparent and accountable response. The restoration of human dignity is an obligation, not a privilege.