Gorilla Journal 22, June 2001

Exploiting Kivu

In April 2001, the UN published a 55-page paper entitled

Report of the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

A brief summary:
Illegal exploitation of the mineral and forest resources of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is taking place at an alarming rate. During the first phase, stockpiles of minerals, coffee, wood, livestock and money were taken from the territories conquered by the armies of Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda, and either exported to those countries or to international markets by their forces and nationals. This phase was followed by systematic and systemic exploitation. It flourished because of the structures put in place during the conquests of the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire. Exploitation was often carried out in violation of the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, of national legislation and sometimes of international law, and sled to illicit activities. Key individual actors including top army commanders and businessmen on the one hand, and government structures on the other, have been the engines of this systematic and systemic exploitation. Some leaders in the region bear a direct responsibility.
The Panel concluded that tough measures must be taken to bring to an end the cycle of exploitation and the conflict in Congo. Recommendations revolve around 6 broad themes: (1) sanctions against countries and individuals involved in the illegal activities; (2) preventive measures to avoid a recurrence of the current situation; (3) reparations to the victims of the illegal exploitation of natural resources; (4) design of a framework for reconstruction; (5) improvement of international mechanisms and regulations governing some natural resources; and (6) security issues.
The UN report also names international companies that have been buying the illegally exploited resources such as coltan. Several organizations in Europe have since started campaigns against this activity. People should write to their elected representatives and mobile phone/computer manufacturers, asking them not to support this exploitation. In June Sabena/Swissair decided not to transport mineral resources from East Africa on their flights any more.

Updates: December 2001, June 2002

Final report
 

Conservation areas

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