Thousands of people gathered in front of the Government Palace in Ulan Bator, protesting after reports that coal valued at 12.9 billion dollars meant for export to China had disappeared. Demonstrators accuse officials of involvement in the missing coal and call for accountability.
Local outlets report that the protests continued into a third day, with a growing sense of urgency among demonstrators. Observers note that a large share of those present were students. Some participants reportedly faced extreme cold, with accounts of protesters shedding outerwear to protest rising prices and demand action.
During a confrontation near the Government Palace, barricades were breached and security measures were tested. Banners demanding responsibility for the missing coal appeared, and calls for a general strike were heard from the crowd.
In the course of the demonstrations, several injuries occurred among security personnel and protesters as routes to the state residence were temporarily blocked by blockades. Authorities indicated that they might use force to disperse the gatherings if demonstrations continued unresolved in the coming hours.
Why did the rallies begin?
The protests were driven by findings that the volume of coal exported from Mongolia did not align with the quantities reported by the Chinese side. Some estimates put the potential losses around 44 trillion tugriks, roughly 12.9 billion dollars, with other figures suggesting even higher costs over several years of exports. These discrepancies have raised questions about governance and oversight in the coal sector.
Overall coal exports for the first nine months of the year reached about 4.5 billion dollars, while Mongolia’s GDP in 2021 stood at around 15.1 billion dollars, highlighting the potential impact of the alleged losses on the national economy.
Earlier reports from regional outlets indicated that some officials connected to coal operations faced severe penalties elsewhere in the region, underscoring the gravity attributed to the alleged theft. Specific names were circulated in media discussions, prompting calls for transparency from political leadership.
The protesters now demand a clear exposure of corruption and the public naming of those responsible.
Investigations were reported to involve multiple officials and state entities, including those overseeing energy and transport infrastructure. Audits were launched to examine operations within various agencies and the company Erdenes Tavşantolgoy JSC and related railway enterprises, as authorities seek to identify and address potential mismanagement or wrongdoing.
In response to the unfolding events, the government indicated that it had engaged with foreign partners to support the coal investigation, while officials held briefings to reassure the public that steps were being taken to uncover the truth and restore order.
On the morning of the latest developments, government officials stated that multiple criminal cases related to coal procurement and transportation were under active investigation. The statements emphasized contracts for coal supply, including railway agreements, as focal points of inquiry.
Meanwhile, international observers issued cautions about crowd safety. An official diplomatic mission advised avoiding large gatherings and staying informed through local news, noting the potential for crowd fluctuations as demonstrations continued.
The diplomatic presence in the capital stressed that the situation remained calm for now and that no foreign nationals were reported to be at risk. Officials reiterated that the authorities were handling the matter in accordance with national laws and the rule of law, while urging restraint and adherence to public safety guidelines.
Parliament convened for an extraordinary session to discuss possible measures, including the activation of emergency provisions if necessary, as lawmakers weighed the implications for national stability and the economy. Debates focused on ensuring security, protecting citizens, and maintaining essential services during heightened tensions.