In the heart of Africa, the Central African Republic (CAR) has taken action against Daqing SARL, a Chinese mining firm, citing serious violations such as collusion with militias, harboring unauthorized foreigners, tax evasion, and failure to report activities. The company’s operations in Mingala, focused on gold and diamond extraction, overlapped with CAR’s military clashes with the Coalition of Patriots for Change, stemming from ongoing strife since a 2013 coup.
The recent attacks on Chinese nationals in CAR highlight the security risks faced by foreign companies, while the country’s abundant resources remain underutilized due to rebel control. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has imposed economic reforms, including mandating the use of Congolese francs in electronic payments to reduce dollarization and strengthen economic autonomy.
Economic Reforms in CAR and DRC
Both countries are striving to address internal challenges and promote development, focusing on economic stability and sovereignty. CAR tackles illegal mining and security threats, while the DRC aims at restructuring its economy and reducing foreign currency dependency. These initiatives signify a commitment to regional stability and highlight the importance of resource management and governance in developing nations.