The General Inspectorate of Mines (IGM) learned with deep dismay of the serious security incident that occurred on May 2, 2026, in the Luisha sector, on the road linking the Pumpe site to the Likasi road, approximately 67 kilometers from the city of Likasi.
According to information in our possession, a convoy of two vehicles on a prospecting mission was intercepted by armed and masked individuals. Shots were fired during the attack.
The provisional toll is two deaths: a geologist and his driver, both Congolese nationals. Another Congolese passenger was seriously injured. Furthermore, an expatriate and a Congolese citizen were taken hostage before being released a few hours later after a ransom was paid.
The IGM notes that this attack occurs within a context marked by a worrying deterioration of the security situation in several mining areas of the region. An increasing presence of armed individuals has been reported in the area, including uncontrolled elements, armed groups, and other non-state actors. Similar incidents have also been reported in the same area in recent weeks.
This situation directly impacts the activities of mining operators and poses a serious threat to the stability of operations and the business climate in the national mining sector.
Faced with this surge in insecurity, the IGM (General Inspectorate of Mines) calls for the strengthening of security measures in mining areas to ensure the protection of the population, workers, and investments.
Investigations are currently underway to shed light on this tragedy and to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of these criminal acts in accordance with the law.
