A major new railway project, paid for by Western countries, could force thousands of people from their homes in the Democratic Republic of Congo. An investigation shows the Lobito Corridor project is causing serious problems for communities.
The plan is to rebuild an old railway between mines in Congo and a port in Angola. The goal is to transport copper and cobalt more easily. These metals are very important for making batteries for electric cars. The European Union and the United States are supporting this project. They want to get these important materials.
However, a group called Global Witness studied the project. They say the railway work in Congo might destroy about 1,200 buildings. This could leave up to 6,500 people with no home. The problem is a rule that says no one can build homes close to the railway. People built there many years ago when no one followed this rule. Now, the government is suddenly enforcing it.
People in places like Kolwezi are worried and confused. Many bought their land in good faith, sometimes from railway workers. A local man, Emmanuel, said some people "bought land from sellers who may not have owned it."
A government minister called the people living near the railway "illegals." This shows the government is not being flexible.
This is a big problem for the Western countries funding the project. They say the railway is a good, sustainable project. But now it might harm local communities, which is something they often criticize. Everyone involved must find a way to get the important metals while also protecting the people who live there.