Kolwezi:Beirut The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants has refuted media claims regarding the detention of Lebanese citizens at mining sites in Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Allegations suggested that Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi had obstructed the Lebanese ambassador's efforts to intervene.

According to National news agency - Lebanon, the ministry labeled the report as entirely baseless. It stated that Foreign Minister Raggi had directed Ambassador Haitham Ibrahim to immediately engage with the situation upon becoming aware of it.

The ministry further explained that the Lebanese embassy is actively working with the Congolese Foreign Ministry to verify the locations of the detainees, compile a full list of those detained, and assess their legal situations.

Initial reports indicate that these arrests are part of a broader initiative to regulate activities at mining operations. It was noted that many of the detained individuals had overstayed their "visite volant" visas, which allow for a maximum stay of seven days.