Tshikapa, November 9th 2026 (CPA). – The exploitation of child labourers in mines and other quarries for rubble and sand in Tshikapa, the chief town of Kasai, in the centre of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been reported to CPA on Monday by a local NGO, which has called on the relevant authorities to address the issue.
“School-age children are being used on mining sites in the town of Tshikapa, in Kasai province, whilst the relevant authorities look on helplessly.
Instead of being at school, dozens of children spend their days breaking rocks, sifting sand, and loading and carrying heavy materials in conditions that are dangerous to their health, safety and future,” has declared Sadam Kapanda, national coordinator of the NGO COPROVIC (Collective for the Protection and Assistance of Victims of Community Conflicts and Vulnerable Groups).
According to investigations carried out, the most visible site is the construction site located along National Road No. 1, in the municipality of Dibumba, opposite the Tatem Beach area, towards the bridge over the Kasai River. There, the situation is out in the open.
Everyone sees it, but no one takes action. Indeed, the organisation is calling for an immediate end to child labour at all mining sites in Tshikapa; for these children to be returned to school; and for parents, mine operators and communities to be made aware of the dangers of child labour.
“Child labour is prohibited by the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo and by the international conventions on the rights of the child that DRC has ratified,” has concluded Sadam Kapanda. ACP/