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By CIVICUS
Dec 29 2025 (IPS)

 
CIVICUS discusses environmental accountability in Zambia with Christian-Geraud Neema, Africa editor at the China Global South Project, an independent journalism initiative that covers and follows China’s activities in global south countries.

Christian-Geraud Neema

A group of 176 Zambian farmers has filed a US$80 billion lawsuit against a Chinese state-owned mining company over a major toxic spill. In February, the collapse of a dam that was supposed to control mining waste released 50 million litres of toxic wastewater into the Kafue River system, killing fish, destroying crops and contaminating water sources for thousands of people. The compensation demand highlights broader questions about mining governance, environmental oversight and corporate accountability.

What’s this lawsuit about, and why are farmers seeking US$80 billion?

The farmers are suing Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, because on 18 February, the company’s tailings dam collapsed, releasing an estimated 50 million litres of acidic, toxic wastewater and up to 1.5 million tonnes of waste material into the Kafue River. This led to water pollution affecting communities in Chambishi and Kitwe, far beyond the immediate mining area.

The lawsuit reflects real harm and frustration. From the farmers’ perspective, the company is clearly responsible. Their livelihoods have been destroyed, their land contaminated and their future made uncertain. In that context, seeking accountability through the courts is a rational response.

That said, the US$80 billion figure is likely exaggerated. It shows the absence of credible damage assessments rather than a precise calculation. When no one provides clear data on losses, communities respond by anchoring their claims in worst-case scenarios.

This case also highlights a broader accountability gap. Mining companies should be held responsible, but governments must also be questioned. These projects are approved, inspected and regulated by state authorities. If a dam was unsafe, why was it authorised? Why was oversight insufficient?

It should be noted that Zambia’s legal framework allows communities to bring such cases domestically, which is a significant step forward compared to earlier cases where affected communities had to sue foreign companies in courts abroad.

What caused the toxic spill?

There is no single, uncontested explanation. There were clear structural weaknesses in the tailings dam. Reports from civil society and media suggest the dam was not built to the required standards under Zambian regulations. But the company argues the dam complied with existing standards and that it was encroachment by surrounding communities that weakened the structure over time.

These two narratives are not mutually exclusive. Even if community interactions with the site occurred, the primary responsibility still lies with the company. Mining operations take place in complex social environments, and companies are expected to anticipate these realities and design infrastructure that is robust enough to withstand them. Ultimately, this incident reflects governance and regulatory failures. It was not an isolated accident.

What were the consequences of the spill?

The impacts have been severe and multidimensional. The spill polluted large sections of the Kafue River, reportedly extending over 100 kilometres. It killed large numbers of fish, contaminated riverbeds and disrupted ecosystems. Agriculturally, farmers using river water for irrigation saw their crops destroyed or rendered unsafe. Livestock and soil quality were also affected. Acidic and toxic substances entered water sources used daily for cooking, drinking and washing, and communities were exposed to serious health risks.

What makes the situation particularly troubling is the lack of reliable and independent data. There has been no transparent and comprehensive assessment released by the government, the company or an independent body. This absence has left communities uncertain about long-term environmental damage and health effects, and fuelled emotionally charged debates instead of evidence-based responses.

Was the disaster preventable?

Absolutely. At a technical level, stronger infrastructure, better-quality materials and stricter adherence to safety standards could have significantly reduced the risk. At an operational level, companies know mining sites are rarely isolated, and community proximity, informal access and social dynamics must be factored in when designing and securing tailings dams.

But prevention also depends heavily on governance. Mining companies are profit-driven entities, and in weak governance environments, the temptation to cut costs is high. This is not unique to Chinese firms. The main difference in how companies operate is not their origin but their context: the same companies often operate very differently in countries with weak or strong regulatory oversight. Where rules are enforced, behaviour improves; where oversight is weak, shortcuts become the norm.

The key issue here is enforcement. Zambia has good environmental laws and standards on paper. The problem is their implementation.

Could this case set a precedent?

This case has the potential to strengthen existing accountability mechanisms rather than create a new precedent. Zambia has seen similar cases before, including lawsuits involving western mining companies. What is different now is the increased legal space for communities to act locally.

If successful, the case could reinforce civil society advocacy for responsible mining, greater transparency and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations. It could also raise awareness among communities living near mining sites about their rights and the risks they face.

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SEE ALSO
South Africa: ‘Environmental rights are enforceable and communities have the right to be consulted and taken seriously’ CIVICUS Lens | Interview with The Green Connection 12.Dec.2025
DRC: ‘International demand for coltan is linked to violence in the DRC’ CIVICUS Lens | Interview with Claude Iguma 09.Jul.2025
Ghana: ‘We demand an immediate ban on illegal mining and strict enforcement of environmental laws’ CIVICUS Lens | Interview with Jeremiah Sam 29.Oct.2024

 

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L'artiste musicienne Pasco ODG a procédé à la dédicace de son tout premier album intitulé « Lawa Barka » (Merci Seigneur en langue san). C'était le dimanche 28 décembre 2025 à Ouagadougou.

À travers cet opus, elle rend grâce à Dieu pour ses bienfaits, tout en abordant plusieurs thématiques sociales. Pasco ODG dénonce certaines tares de la société, prodigue des conseils et fait la promotion du vivre-ensemble et de la paix.

De son vrai nom Pascaline Ouédraogo/Toé, l'artiste est également sage-femme de profession

L'album est composé de 9 titres, chacun portant un message particulier :

« Nawaasaamin », qui parle de la vie en général et encourage à persévérer malgré les difficultés, car demain peut être meilleur, la volonté de Dieu étant différente de celle des hommes » ; « Louange », une action de grâce adressée à Dieu pour ses bienfaits et une invitation à placer sa confiance en lui ; « Mariage », qui met en lumière le caractère sacré de l'union entre deux êtres et exhorte les conjoints à respecter les engagements pris devant Dieu et les hommes ; « Sages-Femmes Maïeuticiens », un hommage rendu à toutes ces femmes qui œuvrent chaque jour pour accompagner les mères à donner la vie ; « Lawa wa yanko si », une prière pour le pardon des péchés, rappelant l'imperfection humaine et la nécessité de la miséricorde divine ; « Maman Marie », un chant dédié à la Vierge Marie pour son amour et son intercession quotidienne ; « FDS/VDP », un hommage aux forces combattantes engagées pour la libération du Burkina Faso, avec un appel au retour de la paix ; « Soala wende barka », chanté en reggae, qui remercie Dieu pour ses grâces et bénédictions ; Et « La réussite », qui invite à ne jamais baisser les bras et à croire en la réussite malgré les obstacles.
Pour ce premier « bébé musical », Pasco ODG a opté pour un mélange de variété et de musique traditionnelle. Elle veut ainsi offrir une palette sonore accessible à un large public.

Les proches de l'artiste étaient présents pour la soutenir à cette dédicace

« Cet album est pour moi une forme d'action de grâce. À travers cette œuvre, j'ai voulu rendre grâce au Seigneur, parce qu'il a accompli des miracles dans ma vie. Je vais bientôt me rendre à Toma, dans mon village, pour en assurer la promotion. Par la suite, j'espère organiser des concerts ou effectuer des tournées afin de continuer cette promotion », a fait savoir Pasco ODG. L'album, au format clé USB, est disponible au prix de 5 000 FCFA.

La chanteuse en pleine prestation

Samirah Bationo
Lefaso.net

Nirgendwo sonst wird so oft und so routiniert angestossen wie in der Schweiz: Selbst Politik und Geschäfte werden in der Schweiz gerne mit einem Glas Weisswein in der Hand gemacht. Bloss: wie lange noch?

UNITED STATES EMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION

The Embassy of the United States of America, located at Ouaga 2000, Avenue Sembene Ousmane, not far from the Ministry of Agriculture, is organizing an auction of property belonging to the US government. These include shipping containers, household furniture, appliances, and computer equipment. The sale will take place on Tuesday, January 6, and Wednesday, January 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Embassy Warehouse located Ouaga 2000 Extension Sud at the intersection of the Centre omnisports des Etalons (COMET) and the road leading to SALITAS.
To participate, all bidders must register in advance and obtain a participant card at the Embassy Warehouse located at Ouaga 2000. Registration and visits will take place on Monday, January 5th, 2026 – from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Participation will be by auction. The items for sale are grouped into lots and will be sold as is.
• The Embassy reserves the right to withdraw any item from sale.
• Only cash payments will be accepted.
• Payments are non-refundable. Payments for items purchased will be made to the Embassy cashier on site.

• All successful bidders must take their lots away immediately.
• For household items – Successful bidders must pay a 9% tax in addition to the winning bid before removing the lot. If no payment is received within fifteen (15) minutes after the auction, the lots will be put back up for sale, and the successful bidders will lose their rights and be excluded from the sale.
For more information, please call : +226 25 49 54 18 / +226 25 49 54 07 / +226 25 49 54 06
AVIS DE VENTE AUX ENCHERES PUBLIQUES

L'Ambassade des Etats-Unis d'Amérique, sis à Ouaga 2000, Avenue Sembene Ousmane, non-loin du ministère de L 'Agriculture, organise une vente aux enchères de biens déclassés appartenant au gouvernement américain. Il s'agit notamment de conteneurs maritimes, de mobilier de maison, d'appareils électroménagers et du matériel informatique. La vente aura lieu respectivement les Mardi 6 Janvier et Mercredi 7 Janvier 2026, de 9h00 à 16h00 dans les locaux de l'Entrepôt de l'Ambassade sis à Ouaga 2000 Extension Sud à l'Intersection du Centre omnisports des Etalons (COMET) et la voie menant vers SALITAS.

Pour participer, tout soumissionnaire doit s'inscrire au préalable et obtenir une carte de participant dans les locaux de l'Entrepôt de l'Ambassade sis à Ouaga 2000. Les inscriptions, et les visites se feront le Lundi 5 Janvier 2026 – de 9h à 16h ;

• Le mode de participation sera à la criée. Les articles en vente sont constitués en lots, et seront vendus en l'état.
• L'Ambassade se réserve le droit de retirer tout article en vente.
• Seuls les paiements en espèces seront acceptés.

• Les sommes versées sont non-remboursables. Les paiements des montants adjugés se feront auprès du caissier de l'Ambassade sur place. Tout adjudicataire devra emporter ses lots séance tenante.
• Pour les articles ménagers – Les adjudicataires devront s'acquitter d'une taxe de 9% en plus du montant adjugé avant l'enlèvement du lot. Si aucun paiement n'est reçu dans un délai de quinze (15) minutes après adjudication, les lots seront remis en vente, et les adjudicataires perdront leurs droits et exclus de la vente.
Pour plus d'informations, appelez-le : 25 49 54 18 / 25 49 54 07 / 25 49 54 06

une villa construite sur une superficie de 385m² à la cité SOCOGIB , une zone résidentielle très calme .
La maison dispose d'un grand salon et de (03) chambres dont (02) avec placards et une salle de bain/wc.
Une très grande cour qui dispose de toilettes visiteur une dépendance assez spacieuse à l'arrière.
Les arbres plantés dans la cour font d'elle une cour bien ombrageuse donc agréable à vivre.
NB : Démarcheurs s'abstenir.

numéros : 58459041 / 65242529