Chingola Riots (2025)
The Chingola Riots of 2025 were a series of violent protests and disturbances that erupted in late July 2025 in Chingola, a town in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. The unrest was primarily triggered by small-scale miners, commonly called “Jerabos” or “stone dealers,” who were denied access to the Senseli Open Pit Mine by the license holder. The riots resulted in widespread looting, property destruction, injuries, and one reported fatality, prompting a strong response from law enforcement and government officials.
| Chingola Riots (2025) | |||
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| Date | 30 July 2025 – early August 2025 | ||
| Location | Chingola, Copperbelt Province, Zambia | ||
| Caused by | Dispute over access to Senseli Open Pit Mine | ||
| Methods | Protests, riots, looting, arson, vandalism | ||
| Status | Order restored by Zambia Police and Zambia National Service | ||
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Background
Small-scale mining plays a significant socio-economic role in Chingola and Zambia generally but remains an area of tension due to legal constraints and competition for mining rights. Many informal miners rely on surface mining and extraction from areas not officially licensed to them, leading to frequent clashes with mining companies and authorities. In Chingola, such confrontations have become common due to the high number of unemployed youth depending on informal copper mining for survival.
Events of the Riots
The riots began on 30 July 2025 when displaced small-scale miners protested the denial of access to the Senseli mine. The protests escalated quickly into violent riots in Chiwempala Township, Lulamba Township, and the Mwaiseni Trading Area. Rioters engaged in looting of shops in the Chiwempala Market and vandalized public infrastructure, including a newly built market shelter and road rehabilitation equipment such as a grader and compactor. Business activities in affected areas came to a halt amid fear and uncertainty. Social media footage captured scenes of chaos, burning vehicles, and residents fleeing from affected zones.
Government and Police Response
The Zambia Police Service arrested seventy-nine suspects involved in the riots. Police and the Zambia National Service were deployed to restore order, facing resistance from some rioters and criminal elements exploiting the chaos. Authorities condemned the violence and emphasized that legal consequences would follow for those responsible. The Copperbelt Province Minister, Elisha Matambo, urged residents to remain calm and assured them of continued government efforts to maintain peace and security. Following the unrest, government authorities handed over compensation amounting to ten million Kwacha to victims affected by the riots and property damage.
Impact and Aftermath
The riots caused significant economic disruption, damaging local markets and affecting livelihoods in Chiwempala and Lulamba. The involvement of young people in mining activities raised serious social concerns, with government officials and community leaders urging parents to send children back to school. The unrest exposed the persistent challenge of balancing informal mining practices with formal regulations, underscoring the need for sustainable and peaceful solutions to mining-related disputes in Zambia’s Copperbelt region.
