China Condemns Attack in Congo, Confirms Death of Citizens

In Summary

• At least 6 Chinese citizens killed and several others missing after an attack by armed militia in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
• The attack occurred at a Chinese-linked mining site in the gold-rich northeastern Ituri province.
• China condemns the attack and demands that the DRC government take action to find the perpetrators and enhance the protection of Chinese citizens and companies in the area.

KINSHASHA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO- China confirmed on Thursday that at least 6 of its citizens have died and several others are missing following an attack by armed militia in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The attack took place on Wednesday at a Chinese-linked mining site in the gold-rich northeastern Ituri province.

Speaking at a regular press conference, Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, condemned the attack and announced that efforts were underway to find the missing Chinese nationals. “We demand that the DRC side hunts down the perpetrators as quickly as possible and strictly punishes them in accordance with the law,” she added.

Mao also called on the DRC to “take steps to strengthen the protection of Chinese citizens and companies in the area.”

Attacks on mining sites and convoys are common in the northeastern part of the DRC, and this is not the first incident in which Chinese nationals have been impacted. China has reiterated a warning to its citizens to follow foreign ministry security alerts and to avoid traveling to high-risk areas.