After 43 days of a hunger strike, residents of Shukruti have decided to halt their protest in front of the parliament building, paving the way for negotiations with Georgian Manganese. The discussions will be mediated by Rati Ionatamishvili, a deputy from the ruling party, as the community seeks resolution for the damages they claim have been inflicted by the mining company.
Ongoing Protests and Demands
While the hunger strike has ended, the residents of Shukruti remain committed to their cause and will continue to protest until a final agreement is reached. Their demands center around compensation for the extensive damage caused by Georgian Manganese’s mining activities, which they argue have devastated their village.
- Key Issues Raised by Residents:
- Destruction of homes and property.
- Damage to soil, yards, and agricultural plots.
- Deterioration of living conditions in the village.
The community asserts that the mining operations have led to the collapse of houses, barren land, and dried-up wells, making life increasingly difficult for the residents.
Background of the Protest
The protest in Shukruti has been ongoing for six months, with residents voicing their grievances against Georgian Manganese. The situation escalated when some participants resorted to extreme measures, including sewing their mouths shut as a form of protest on September 1.
The locals are particularly frustrated with the company’s failure to honor agreements made during previous protests from 2019 to 2021. According to a memorandum signed in 2020, Georgian Manganese was supposed to provide annual compensation ranging from 700,000 GEL to 1,000,000 GEL. However, residents claim that only a small fraction of the population has received any compensation, with reports indicating that just 5% of affected individuals have benefited from the promised payments.
The Path Forward
As negotiations commence, the residents of Shukruti are hopeful for a resolution that addresses their concerns and provides adequate compensation for the damages they have suffered. The involvement of a government mediator may facilitate a more constructive dialogue between the community and Georgian Manganese.
The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched, as it not only affects the residents of Shukruti but also sets a precedent for how mining companies engage with local communities in Georgia. The ongoing struggle highlights the need for accountability and responsible practices in the mining sector, ensuring that the rights and livelihoods of local populations are protected.
