Kasaï Oriental: Head of an artisanal mining branch suspended from his duties

Mbuji-Mayi, March 29th, 2026 (CPA). – The head of the provincial branch in East Kasai, in the centre of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been suspended from his duties at the Assistance and Supervision Service for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining for an indefinite period, following a provincial decree, CPA has learned on Saturday from an official source. “In view of the serious and unlawful breaches attributed to Ngalamulume Musenga Moise, provincial head (provincial director) of the Assistance and Supervision Service for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (SAEMAPE) in Kasai Oriental, these include: the conclusion and signing of a memorandum of understanding with the CAMA mining cooperative, which is not in compliance with tax authorities, in flagrant violation of the relevant provisions of the Mining Code and Regulations, he is suspended from his duties … Ngalamulume Musenga Moise”, according to the decree signed by the provincial governor, Jean Paul Mbwebwa. The provincial authority also criticises its official for “the contractual engagement of expatriates of South Sudanese origin, who lack the legal standing required to work within artisanal mining cooperatives, in defiance of mining legislation and the security and safety imperatives of the Republic’s institutions, and for the usurpation of prerogatives”, it is indicated. The decree notes that the allegations against the director of SAEMAPE are such as to seriously compromise the interests of the province and national public order, and that during the period of suspension, the role will be filled on an interim basis by Mukonkole Mpapa Coco, a Grade 2 division head. ACP/