Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources of Congo

In October, the UN published the final 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".
The aim was to analyse the situation and to evaluate possible actions that could be taken to help bring to an end to the plundering; in addition, recommendations were to be made regarding specific actions to be taken by the international community, transit countries and end-users. The Panel focussed its work on politically and economically powerful groups involved in the (often highly criminalized) exploitation.
It is concluded that the main forces responsible for the illegal exploitation of Congo are the armies of Uganda and Rwanda, which are closely working together with elite networks in the three countries involved. They have adopted many tactics to disguise their activities. The resources that were exploited are transported to their countries, and the money that is made with those goods is contributing to the arming of rebel groups.
Other nationals also benefit from the resources; for example, senior officers of the Zimbabwean Defense Forces enriched themselves from the country's mineral assets. Moreover, 29 international companies are listed as being involved; the report names companies and persons from Belgium, Zimbabwe, South Africa, UK, USA, Germany and many others. Members of elite networks in Congo, Rwanda and Uganda are also named. In Congo, Joseph Kabila reacted to the release of the report by removing those responsible from his government.
The report explains in detail the activities of these networks and the consequences. Recommendations for putting a stop to the illegal exploitation include: support of the Congolese government in its measures against the illegal activities, and promotion of reconstruction and sustainable development of the country; restrictions on the business enterprises and individuals involved: and the regulation of commodity trade from conflict areas.

Previous reports were published in spring 2002, in November 2001 and in April 2001; final report

D. R. Congo Overview

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