Chinese Company Accused of Assassination Attempt on Mines Minister

An assassination attempt on the Mines Minister of Sierra Leone, Timothy Kabba, has raised concerns about mining deals with a Chinese company, Leone Rock (Kingho Mining Ltd). Kabba suffered life-threatening injuries in a car accident, which has been described as an attempted assassination, amid rival mining companies vying for access to the country's mineral resources. Leone Rock (Kingho Mining Ltd) has already been accused of bribing government officials to gain access to the sector. The attack coincided with the Minister signing a contract for a new company to take over the Pepel Rail and Port, and a termination notice has been issued to Leone Rock. Concerns have been raised about the Chinese government's involvement in the assassination attempt, with reports suggesting a high-level delegation from China is in Sierra Leone to ensure the port and railway remain under Leone Rock's control. Sierra Leone's mineral resources generate a majority of its exports but have been a source of strife rather than prosperity, and the country is heading towards a contested presidential election.