During 25 days in April and May 2022 the Lithium Diaries team went to Manono to talk with the locals about the new lithium mining project planned at the town, and hear about life in their part of the DRC. Below is a collection of interviews from that time.
Since we returned from Manono much has changed in the town. The interviews should be viewed as a snapshot from the time when they were made. All interviewees gave their full permission to be interviewed and their images to be used. Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Lithium Diaries team. This website is intended as a space to archive local views and opinions and for them to be listened to.
Abbé Moise KILUBA KALENGA MULUBA
A priest of the Diocese of Manono, Abbé Moise is also a committed organiser in civil society, focusing on mining, the protection of civilians, community conflict resolution and governance. He has been President of the Coordination of Civil Society/Vital Forces in the Manono territory from November 2014 to the present day and he is currently serving his third term.
Ms Béatrice Maganga Selemani
A local leader in the territory of Manono, Béatrice is Head of the Gender, Family and Children Department.
Lazare MWILAMBWE
Lazare is a former teacher. He currently works at the Diocesan Commission for Justice and Peace (CDJP) in Kalemie. He is passionate about environmental issues and natural resources.
Dieumerci Kabila
Social actor of the Manono territory; Dieumerci Kabila is the General Director of Radio Television Trait d'Union broadcasting in Manono.
Valeri NKUMWIMBA WA MWAMBA
Valeri is a civil society actor and President of the Coordination of the New Congolese Civil Society of Manono.
Mukalayi Tchikala Jean Charles
Jean Charles is a former member of Zaire-Etain, resident in Manono.He has lived in Manono most of his life.
Olivier Mulimbi Mutombo
Olivier is a young citizen of Manono, where he was born and raised. He is a trader and a member of the COMICO mining cooperative.
Mutombo Ilunga Yvette
Yvette is a teacher at Mande Banza Primary School in Manono. Before taking up chalk, Yvette had first worked in the mines as an artisanal miner.
Abbot Joseph Mwamba Wa Ngoyi
A parish priest, Joseph is the parish priest of Sainte Barbe de Manono. He is also involved in local civil society activities.
Ngoyi Mulume Jacques
Jacques is a young artisanal miner from Manono. He has already worked in several mining sites in the area. He is training to become a teacher.
Abbé Alain B'TIEN
A parish priest, Abbé Alain is the local representative of the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission (CDJP).
Ms KASONGO KIYANA Iliade
Mrs Iliade works at the CDJP as a Community Facilitator. Before coming to Manon, she worked in Lubumbashi.
Kabulo Tabu Florence
Florence is a second-year primary school teacher at Muzee Laurent Désiré Kabila Primary School in Manono.
Dr Patrice
A hospital doctor, Dr Patrice is the Chief Medical Officer for the Manono Health Zone. He is based in Manono, the capital of the territory.
Dr Tshomba
A hospital doctor, Dr Tshomba is the Medical Director of the Manono General Referral Hospital. He is based in Manono, the capital of the territory.
