New update IPIS mapping research: Katanga

This report is the second in a series of updates following the initial report of June 2007 "Mapping Interests in Conflict Areas: Katanga". The information for the updates is drawn from permanent field research carried out by four Katangese NGOs. These NGOs are based in different parts of Katanga and their research activities for this project cover the militarised territories of the province.

IPIS would like to highlight two issues dealt with in the report:
A first one is the precarious security situation in the North of the province. The Northern territories of Nyunzu and Kalemie are becoming more and more of a lawless frontier land where greed motivated ex-Mayi-Mayi combatants and the FARDC are both lingering in mining areas.
FARDC units, instead of protecting the DRC territory and its population, continue to commit grave human rights violations while profiting from mineral exploitation and trade.
The former Mayi-Mayi show a renewed activism because of the imminent formation of a new FARDC ‘Border Guard Brigade’. This Brigade will be composed of ex-Mayi-Mayi and therefore it gives them a new reason of existence.

A second one is the security hazard of radioactive minerals in the South. In the Copperbelt, the State presence is much stronger and the security situation has improved. Until now, there have only been a few limited incidents with groups of artisanal miners (whose position and existence is under strain because of the industrialisation of the mining sector). However, serious security risks remain, not the least the Katangese uranium. Radioactive heterogenite is stockpiled and transported throughout the territories of Mutshatsha, Lubudi, Kambove and Kipushi (Lubumbashi). The level of radiation coming from these minerals is sometimes extremely high.

The information for the updates is drawn from desktop research by IPIS and permanent field research carried out by four partner organisations based in different parts of Katanga.

More information and previous mapping research can be found here:
www.ipisresearch.be/mapping.

The report is available online: