Final Report on Congo

On 28 October 2003, the Panel of Experts handed over the final report on the exploitation of natural resources of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the UN Security Council. Parts of the report are available only to the Security Council. Many NGOs and press reports have criticized this, pointing out that it could prevent effective action against the companies and warring parties that have been plundering Congo's resources.
In the meantime it has become clear that the report contains worrying information that preparations are underway for a new war in Congo. It seems that some of the warring factions are not willing to accept restrictions on their illegal activities and are trying to undermine the peace process. The illegal exploitation of Congo's resources still continues. This conclusion of the Panel of Experts has not been made public by the UN, however - for diplomatic reasons.

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Previous reports: December 2001, June 2002, October 2002
 

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