The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has arrested a top official in its Atomic Energy Commission (CGEA) for reportedly trafficking uranium.
CGEA Commissioner and Director of Kinshasa’s Nuclear Research Center (CREN-K) Prof. Fortunat Lumu Badimbayi-Matu was arrested and is being held alongside CREN-K’s Scientific Director. And while the trafficking reports are yet to be confirmed, other suggestions as to the arrest falls in line with CGEA’s partnership with Brinkley Africa, Ltd. The deal was struck in September 2006 with the subsidiary of UK-based Brinkley Mining. While Badimbayi-Matu approved the deal, the extent of his involvement is ambiguous as it is standard procedure that all mining agreements be approved by the Ministry of Mines and the DRC’s President.
Nuclear energy is being pushed among many uranium-rich African countries as it is a very reliable source of energy despite the long-term commitments required to get it started. However, many are worried about nuclear falling into the wrong hands and the latest news out of the DRC doesn’t offer a positive outlook for the country and its nuclear potential.
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