The Congo Basin, home to many Indigenous peoples, is the world’s second-largest rainforest. Indigenous communities in the Republic of Congo rely on the forest for food, shelter and traditional knowledge. The government has banned the term “pygmee” because it is considered pejorative.
China’s relationship with the Republic of Congo dates to the 1960s. The Foreign Affairs Minister said trade reached USD 6.57 billion in 2023. Chinese firms are active in agriculture, minerals, wood and digital technology, and investment has grown under initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
Civil society groups and researchers say Chinese-linked logging licences and other extractive work have accelerated deforestation. Mongabay research and local NGOs told Global Voices that forest loss threatens Indigenous ways of life. Civil society leaders say regulations are weak, companies often do not carry out environmental and social impact studies, and some families have been expelled from their lands without compensation. Local NGOs warn about environmental and human rights risks, and it is unclear how the government will change oversight or protect communities.
Difficult words
- indigenous — People originally from a particular region.
- pejorative — An insulting or negative word or phrase.
- extractive — Related to removing natural resources.
- deforestation — The removal of large areas of forest.
- licence — Official permission to do an activity.licences
- oversight — Official supervision or control of actions.
- compensation — Money or help given for a loss.
- initiative — A new plan or project to achieve goals.
- civil society — Groups and organisations outside government.
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Discussion questions
- How could forest loss change Indigenous communities' daily lives?
- What are some benefits and risks of foreign investment like China's in the Republic of Congo?
- What actions should the government take to protect communities and the forest?
