DOCSLIB.ORG

Mapping Artisanal Mining Areas and Mineral Supply Chains in Eastern DR Congo Impact of Armed Interference & Responsible Sourcing

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Mapping Artisanal Mining Areas and Mineral Supply Chains in Eastern DR Congo Impact of Armed Interference & Responsible Sourcing Mapping artisanal mining areas and mineral supply chains in eastern DR Congo Impact of armed interference & responsible sourcing International Peace Information Service vzw EDITORIAL Mapping artisanal mining areas and mineral supply chains in Eastern DR Congo Impact of armed interference & responsible sourcing Antwerp, April 2019 Cover image: Gold Mine in Kalehe, South Kivu (Photo: IPIS) Authors: Ken Matthysen (IPIS), Steven Spittaels (IPIS associate researcher), Peer Schouten (DIIS) Coordinator field research: Zacharie Bulakali Ntakobajira Map, database and graphs: Manuel Claeys Bouuaert, Stef Verheyen The International Peace Information Service (IPIS) is an independent research institute providing tailored information, analysis and capacity enhancement to support those actors who want to realize a vision of durable peace, sustainable development and the fulfilment of human rights. The Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) is an independent research institute that pro- vides analysis of international politics. The research is organized around a large number of programs that cover topics ranging from natural resources and the environment, to terrorism and migration. The 2016-2018 mapping of artisanal mining sites in eastern DRC was funded by the International Or- ganization for Migration- IOM in the DRC through the United States Agency for International Develop- ment-USAID funded Responsible Minerals Trade (RMT) project. Case studies were funded through a Conflict Research Fellowship of the SSRC for the LSE-based Conflict Research Programme. D/2019/4320/07 2 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Editorial ................................................................................................................................................. 2 Key concepts ......................................................................................................................................... 5 List of acronyms .................................................................................................................................... 6 Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 7 Armed interference in mining ........................................................................................................................................7 Link between armed conflict and armed interference ..........................................................................................8 Impact of responsible sourcing on armed interference ........................................................................................8 Socio-economic aspects ...................................................................................................................................................8 Challenges for responsible supply chains ..................................................................................................................9 Concluding remarks .........................................................................................................................................................10 1. Introduction and background ...................................................................................................... 12 1.1. Scope and key findings ........................................................................................................................................12 1.2. Background ..............................................................................................................................................................12 1.3. IPIS’ Methodology .................................................................................................................................................13 1.4. Data gathered .........................................................................................................................................................13 2. Armed interference in eastern DR Congo’s artisanal mining sector ......................................... 15 2.1. Armed interference at mining sites .................................................................................................................15 2.1.1. Armed interference: provincial differences .............................................................................................................................15 2.1.2. Armed interference: different actors .........................................................................................................................................18 2.2. Roadblocks: the militarization of supply chains ......................................................................................... 20 3. Comparing armed conflict with armed interference at mining sites ........................................ 24 4. Responsible sourcing: does it mitigate armed interference? .................................................... 28 4.1. Armed interference and responsible sourcing ........................................................................................... 28 4.1.1. Responsible sourcing over time: decreasing interference ...................................................................................................29 4.1.2. Armed interference: geography matters .................................................................................................................................31 5. Socio-economic aspects ............................................................................................................... 32 5.1. Social and economic indicators related to mineral exploitation ......................................................... 32 5.1.1. Miners’ mobility .............................................................................................................................................................................32 5.1.2. Cooperatives ...................................................................................................................................................................................32 5.1.3. Women .............................................................................................................................................................................................34 5.1.4. Mining site owners and the distribution of revenues ...........................................................................................................34 5.2. Economic indicators related to mineral trade ............................................................................................. 35 5.2.1. Pricing along the trading chain .................................................................................................................................................36 5.2.2. The impact of traditional customs and local dynamics ......................................................................................................38 5.2.3. The impact of exchange rates ....................................................................................................................................................38 5.2.4. The impact of world market prices............................................................................................................................................39 5.2.5. The impact of distance/enclavement .......................................................................................................................................40 5.2.6. The impact of the quality of the minerals ...............................................................................................................................41 5.2.7. The impact of monopolies ..........................................................................................................................................................41 5.2.8. The impact of responsible sourcing ..........................................................................................................................................43 2 3 5.3. State control and formalization of the ASM sector ...................................................................................44 5.3.1. Presence of state services .............................................................................................................................................................44 5.3.2. Carte de creuseur ...........................................................................................................................................................................45 5.3.3. Cooperatives ...................................................................................................................................................................................46 5.3.4. Taxation ...........................................................................................................................................................................................46 6. Responsible sourcing challenges ................................................................................................. 50 6.1. Mineral traceability at a distance ..................................................................................................................... 50 6.2. Commercialisation of tags ................................................................................................................................. 50 6.3. Contamination of responsible supply chains
Load more

Recommended publications
  • New Unhas Drc Schedule Effect
    UNHAS DRC FLIGHT SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE FROM SEPTEMBER 11th 2017 All Planned Flight Times are in LOCAL TIME: Kinshasa, Mbandaka, Brazzaville, Impfondo, Enyelle, Gemena, Libenge, Gbadolite, Zongo, Bangui (UTC + 1); All Other Destinations (UTC + 2) PASSENGERS ARE TO CHECK IN 2 HOURS BEFORE SCHEDULE TIME OF DEPARTURE - PLEASE NOTE THAT THE COUNTER WILL BE CLOSED 1 HOUR BEFORE TIME OF THE DEPARTURE MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY AIRCRAFT DESTINATION DEP ARR DESTINATION DEP ARR DESTINATION DEP ARR DESTINATION DEP ARR DESTINATION DEP ARR KINSHASA MBANDAKA 7:30 9:00 SPECIAL FLIGHTS KINSHASA BRAZZAVILLE 7:30 7:45 SPECIAL FLIGHTS KINSHASA MBANDAKA 7:30 9:00 SPECIAL FLIGHTS SPECIAL FLIGHTS UNO 113H MBANDAKA LIBENGE 9:30 10:30 BRAZZAVILLE MBANDAKA 8:45 10:15 MBANDAKA GBADOLITE 9:30 10:50 DHC8 LIBENGE ZONGO 11:00 11:20 MBANDAKA IMPFONDO 10:45 11:15 GBADOLITE BANGUI 11:20 12:05 5Y-STN ZONGO BANGUI 11:50 12:00 OR IMPFONDO ENYELLE 11:45 12:10 OR BANGUI LIBENGE 13:05 13:25 OR OR BANGUI GBADOLITE 13:00 13:45 ENYELLE MBANDAKA 12:40 13:30 LIBENGE MBANDAKA 13:55 14:55 GBADOLITE MBANDAKA 14:15 15:35 MBANDAKA BRAZZAVILLE 14:00 15:30 MBANDAKA KINSHASA 15:25 16:55 MBANDAKA KINSHASA 16:05 17:35 MAINTENANCE BRAZZAVILLE KINSHASA 16:00 16:15 MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE KINSHASA KANANGA 7:15 9:30 SPECIAL FLIGHTS KINSHASA GOMA 7:15 10:30 SPECIAL FLIGHTS KINSHASA KANANGA 7:15 9:30 SPECIAL FLIGHTS SPECIAL FLIGHTS UNO 213H KANANGA KALEMIE 10:00 11:05 GOMA KALEMIE 12:15 13:05 KANANGA GOMA 10:00 11:25 EMB-135 KALEMIE GOMA 11:45 12:35 OR KALEMIE
    [Show full text]
  • Public Annex
    ICC-01/04-01/10-396-Anx 02-09-2011 1/6 CB PT Public Annex ICC-01/04-01/10-396-Anx 02-09-2011 2/6 CB PT I. General contextual elements on the recent FLDR activities in the KIVUS: 1. Since the beginning of 2011, the FARDC conducted unilateral military operations under the “AMANI LEO” (peace today) operation against the FDLR and other armed groups in North Kivu, mainly in Walikale and Lubero territories, and in South Kivu, mainly in Fizi, Uvira and Shabunda territories. 1 2. The UN Group of Experts in its interim report on 7 June 2011 states that the FDLR remain militarily the strongest armed group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.2 3. The UN Secretary-General further reported on 17 January 2011 that “the FDLR military leadership structure remained largely intact, and dispersed”.3 The FDLR established their presences in remote areas of eastern Maniema and northern Katanga provinces 4 and have sought to reinforce their presence in Rutshuru territory.5 4. The UN GoE reported as late as June 2011 on the FDLR’s continued recruitment 6 and training of mid-level commanders 7. The FDLR also 1 Para 5, page 2 S/2011/20, Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 17 January 2011 (http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/2011/20 ), Para 32, page 9, S/2011/345 Interim report of the Group of Experts on the DRC submitted in accordance with paragraph 5 of Security Council resolution 1952 (2010), 7 June 2011 (http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=S/2011/345
    [Show full text]
  • DRC Consolidated Zoning Report
    CONSOLIDATED REPORT ON THE LIVELIHOOD ZONES OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO DECEMBER 2016 Contents ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................................................... 5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .......................................................................................................... 6 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 7 1.1 Livelihoods zoning ....................................................................................................................7 1.2 Implementation of the livelihood zoning ...................................................................................8 2. RURAL LIVELIHOODS IN DRC - AN OVERVIEW .................................................................. 11 2.1 The geographical context ........................................................................................................ 11 2.2 The shared context of the livelihood zones ............................................................................. 14 2.3 Food security questions ......................................................................................................... 16 3. SUMMARY DESCRIPTIONS OF THE LIVELIHOOD ZONES .................................................... 18 CD01 COPPERBELT AND MARGINAL AGRICULTURE ....................................................................... 18 CD01: Seasonal calendar ....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • ACTIVE USG PROGRAMS for the DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of the CONGO RESPONSE Last Updated 07/27/20
    ACTIVE USG PROGRAMS FOR THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO RESPONSE Last Updated 07/27/20 BAS-UELE HAUT-UELE ITURI S O U T H S U D A N COUNTRYWIDE NORTH KIVU OCHA IMA World Health Samaritan’s Purse AIRD Internews CARE C.A.R. Samaritan’s Purse Samaritan’s Purse IMA World Health IOM UNHAS CAMEROON DCA ACTED WFP INSO Medair FHI 360 UNICEF Samaritan’s Purse Mercy Corps IMA World Health NRC NORD-UBANGI IMC UNICEF Gbadolite Oxfam ACTED INSO NORD-UBANGI Samaritan’s WFP WFP Gemena BAS-UELE Internews HAUT-UELE Purse ICRC Buta SCF IOM SUD-UBANGI SUD-UBANGI UNHAS MONGALA Isiro Tearfund IRC WFP Lisala ACF Medair UNHCR MONGALA ITURI U Bunia Mercy Corps Mercy Corps IMA World Health G A EQUATEUR Samaritan’s NRC EQUATEUR Kisangani N Purse WFP D WFPaa Oxfam Boende A REPUBLIC OF Mbandaka TSHOPO Samaritan’s ATLANTIC NORTH GABON THE CONGO TSHUAPA Purse TSHOPO KIVU Lake OCEAN Tearfund IMA World Health Goma Victoria Inongo WHH Samaritan’s Purse RWANDA Mercy Corps BURUNDI Samaritan’s Purse MAI-NDOMBE Kindu Bukavu Samaritan’s Purse PROGRAM KEY KINSHASA SOUTH MANIEMA SANKURU MANIEMA KIVU WFP USAID/BHA Non-Food Assistance* WFP ACTED USAID/BHA Food Assistance** SA ! A IMA World Health TA N Z A N I A Kinshasa SH State/PRM KIN KASAÏ Lusambo KWILU Oxfam Kenge TANGANYIKA Agriculture and Food Security KONGO CENTRAL Kananga ACTED CRS Cash Transfers For Food Matadi LOMAMI Kalemie KASAÏ- Kabinda WFP Concern Economic Recovery and Market Tshikapa ORIENTAL Systems KWANGO Mbuji T IMA World Health KWANGO Mayi TANGANYIKA a KASAÏ- n Food Vouchers g WFP a n IMC CENTRAL y i k
    [Show full text]
  • FLASH INFO Liste Non Exhaustive Des Opérateurs Aériens Commerciaux De Fret De RDC
    FLASH INFO Liste non exhaustive des opérateurs aériens commerciaux de fret de RDC Dans le but de faciliter les démarches des organisations humanitaires, le Cluster Logistique propose ce document informatif concernant les contacts, capacités et tarifs de certains opérateurs aériens commerciaux. Cependant nous tenons à signaler que cette liste vous est donnée à titre purement indicatif et que nous ne garantissons aucuns services. The Logistics Cluster is supported by the “Global Logistic Cluster Cell” Article written on 26 June 2009 Nom du adresse Personne à Adresse téléphone Type capacité transporteur contacter mail d’avions BANNAIR Mr Felly Kabeya.felly 0999921837 1 avion 25 tonnes Kabeha @yahoo.fr 0851306451 Boeing 727 SUPER C.A.A. Route des Tel commercia 0999939807 1 avion 25 tonnes Compagnie poids lourds Boeing super Africaine n1 727 d’Aviation Quartier Dépôt 0851462195 2 Antonov 6 tonnes Site web: Kingabwa/ 26 www.caacongo.co Commune de Comptoir 0815093560- m Limete 0851462194 Mr Daudet Daudetmufu 0995903851 mayi@yahoo. fr Avenue Dany filairaviat@ic 0999946002 Antonov 24 Tabora 1686- Philemotte .cd FILAIR Barumbu Mimie filairaviat@ic 0999946003 Let410UVP- Kinshasa Mulowayi .cd E RDC Opérations filairaviat@ic 0819946029 .cd GOMAIR Siège social 0810193962 2 x boeing 2 x 20 tonnes avenue du 0813127105 727-100 port n 9 /12 0810842395 Kinshasa 0898629413 1 boeing 14 tonnes Gombe 0815125417 737-219 avec trois Semi cargo palettes et 57 passagers en éco. 1 boeing 291 full 737- passager de 127 sièges éco. MALU Aéroport de Marion Jean marionjeanjacques
    [Show full text]
  • Le Président Du Conseil De Sécurité Présente
    Le Président du Conseil de sécurité présente ses compliments aux membres du Conseil et a l'honneur de transmettre, pour information, le texte d'une lettre datée du 2 juin 2020, adressée au Président du Conseil de sécurité, par le Groupe d’experts sur la République démocratique du Congo reconduit suivant la résolution 2478 (2019) du Conseil de sécurité, ainsi que les pièces qui y sont jointes. Cette lettre et les pièces qui y sont jointes seront publiées comme document du Conseil de sécurité sous la cote S/2020/482. Le 2 juin 2020 The President of the Security Council presents his compliments to the members of the Council and has the honour to transmit herewith, for their information, a copy of a letter dated 2 June 2020 from the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo extended pursuant to Security Council resolution 2478 (2019) addressed to the President of the Security Council, and its enclosures. This letter and its enclosures will be issued as a document of the Security Council under the symbol S/2020/482. 2 June 2020 UNITED NATIONS NATIONS UNIES POSTAL ADDRESS-ADRESSE POSTALE: UNITED NATIONS, N.Y. 10017 CABLE ADDRESS -ADRESSE TELEGRAPHIQUE: UNATIONS NEWYORK REFERENCE: S/AC.43/2020/GE/OC.171 2 juin 2020 Monsieur Président, Les membres du Groupe d’experts sur la République démocratique du Congo, dont le mandat a été prorogé par le Conseil de sécurité dans sa résolution 2478 (2019), ont l’honneur de vous faire parvenir leur rapport final, conformément au paragraphe 4 de ladite résolution.
    [Show full text]
  • DR Congo 2015 Update
    Analysis of the interactive map of artisanal mining areas in eastern DR Congo 2015 update International Peace Information Service (IPIS) 1 Editorial Analysis of the interactive map of artisanal mining areas in eastern DR Congo: 2015 update Antwerp, October 2016 Front Cover image: Cassiterite mine Malemba-Nkulu, Katanga (IPIS 2015) Authors: Yannick Weyns, Lotte Hoex & Ken Matthysen International Peace Information Service (IPIS) is an independent research institute, providing governmental and non-governmental actors with information and analysis to build sustainable peace and development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The research is centred around four programmes: Natural Resources, Business & Human Rights, Arms Trade & Security, and Conflict Mapping. Map and database: Filip Hilgert, Alexandre Jaillon, Manuel Claeys Bouuaert & Stef Verheijen The 2015 mapping of artisanal mining sites in eastern DRC was funded by the International Organization of Migration (IOM) and PROMINES. The execution of the mapping project was a collaboration between IPIS and the Congolese Mining Register (Cadastre Minier, CAMI). The analysis of the map was funded by the Belgian Development Cooperation (DGD). The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of IPIS and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of IOM, PROMINES, CAMI or the Belgian government. 2 Table of contents Editorial ............................................................................................................................................... 2 Executive summary .............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Cycles Approved by OHRM for S
    Consolidated list of duty stations approved by OHRM for rest and recuperation (R & R) (as of 1 July 2015) Duty Station Frequency R & R Destination AFGHANISTAN Entire country 6 weeks Dubai ALGERIA Tindouf 8 weeks Las Palmas BURKINA FASO Dori 12 weeks Ouagadougou BURUNDI Bujumbura, Gitega, Makamba, Ngozi 8 weeks Nairobi CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC Entire country 6 weeks Yaoundé CHAD Abeche, Farchana, Goré, Gozbeida, Mao, N’Djamena, Sarh 8 weeks Addis Ababa COLOMBIA Quibdo 12 weeks Bogota COTE D’IVOIRE Entire country except Abidjan and Yamoussoukro 8 weeks Accra DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO Aru, Beni, Bukavu, Bunia, Butembo, Dungu, Goma, Kalemie, Mahagi, Uvira 6 weeks Entebbe Bili, Bandundu, Gemena, Kamina, Kananga, Kindu, Kisangani, Matadi, Mbandaka, Mbuji-Mayi 8 weeks Entebbe Lubumbashi 12 weeks Entebbe DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA Pyongyang 8 weeks Beijing ETHIOPIA Kebridehar 6 weeks Addis Ababa Jijiga 8 weeks Addis Ababa GAZA Gaza (entire) 8 weeks Amman GUINEA Entire country 6 weeks Accra HAITI Entire country 8 weeks Santo Domingo INDONESIA Jayapura 12 weeks Jakarta IRAQ Baghdad, Basrah, Kirkuk, Dohuk 4 weeks Amman Erbil, Sulaymaniah 8 weeks Amman KENYA Dadaab, Wajir, Liboi 6 weeks Nairobi Kakuma 8 weeks Nairobi KYRGYZSTAN Osh 8 weeks Istanbul LIBERIA Entire country 8 weeks Accra LIBYA Entire country 6 weeks Malta MALI Gao, Kidal, Tesalit 4 weeks Dakar Tombouctou, Mopti 6 weeks Dakar Bamako, Kayes 8 weeks Dakar MYANMAR Sittwe 8 weeks Yangon Myitkyina (Kachin State) 12 weeks Yangon NEPAL Bharatpur, Bidur, Charikot, Dhunche,
    [Show full text]
  • The Making of Ethnic Territories and Subjects in Eastern DR Congo ⁎ Kasper Hoffmann
    Geoforum xxx (xxxx) xxx–xxx Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Geoforum journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/geoforum Ethnogovernmentality: The making of ethnic territories and subjects in Eastern DR Congo ⁎ Kasper Hoffmann University of Copenhagen, Denmark Ghent University, Belgium ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Keywords: In this article I investigate colonial constructions of ethnicity and territory and their effects in the post-in- Ethnicity dependence period in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The core argument of the article is that the Governmentality constructions of ethnicity and territory that are set in motion in struggles over political space in the Congolese Territory conflicts are conditioned by what I call “ethnogovernmentality”, which denotes a heterogeneous ensembleof Subjectivity biopolitical and territorial rationalities and practices of power concerned with the conduct of conduct of ethnic Conflict populations. Through ethnogovernmentality colonial authorities sought to impose ordered scientific visions of DR Congo ethnicity, custom, culture, space, territory, and geography, upon ambivalent cultures and spaces. I show that while ethnogovernmentality failed to produce the stability and order the colonial authorities sought, its ethno- territorial regime of truth and practice has had durable effects on people’s sense of self and on struggles over political space. 1. A dotted red line Administrative maps are often objects of intense political struggles, especially in post-colonial context where they have been imposed on During fieldwork in eastern Congo in 2005 I showed a faded copyof ambiguous and highly heterogeneous cultural and political landscapes. a BA thesis submitted at a local university to one of my interlocutors. As the example above indicates issues related to ethnic territories and The title was “Essai d’histoire politique de Batembo” (Essay on the poli- boundaries are highly contentious in the eastern parts of Democratic tical history of the Batembo).
    [Show full text]
  • Relations Extérieures Et Communication
    Relations extérieures et Communication https://ucbukavu.ac.cd/ – Super Lacus Ac Montes Splendens 02 Bugabo, Avenue de la Mission, Commune de Kadutu, Ville de Bukavu REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO MISE AU POINT SUR LES SITUATIONS UPDATE ON LOCAL HEALTH AND SAFETY SANITAIRE ET SECURITAIRE LOCALES STATUS N°006 – 31 MARS 2020 N°006 – 31 MARCH 2020 SITUATION SECURITAIRE SECURITY STATUS Un homme d’une vingtaine d’années a été A man in his twenties was murdered by armed men assassiné par des hommes en armes sur Avenue on Fariala 2 Avenue, Nyakavogo district in Bagira Fariala 2 au quartier Nyakavogo en Commune de Township. In Walungu Territory, a man was killed Bagira. Un homme a été tué par des hommes by armed men in Izege village. The reasons for this armés à Izege en territoire de Walungu. Les raisons attack have not been clarified. de cette attaque n’ont pas été élucidées. In Kabare Territory, an alleged kidnapper was Un présumé kidnappeur a été brûlé vif après la burned alive after the discovery of three lifeless découverte de trois corps sans vie des bodies of minor children aged 16, 14 and 9 on the enfants mineurs de 16, 14 et 9 ans au bord du lac shore of Lake Kivu in Buhehe village. Kivu dans le village de Buhehe en Territoire de Bullets were heard during the exchange of fire Kabare. between armed bandits and police in Buholo 4 in Des coups de balles ont été entendus lors des échanges de tirs entre bandits armés et policiers à Kadutu Township.
    [Show full text]
  • Report Reflects the Views of the Authors and Can in No Way Be Taken to Reflect the Views of Humanity United
    ‘Conflict Minerals’ initiatives in DR Congo: Perceptions of local mining communities Ken Matthysen & Andrés Zaragoza Montejano 1 Editorial ‘Conflict Minerals’ initiatives in DR Congo: Perceptions of local mining communities Authors: Ken Matthysen & Andrés Zaragoza Montejano (IPIS) Editing: Fiona Southward, Steven Spittaels, & Anna Bulzomi (IPIS); Frédéric Triest (EurAc); Chantal Daniels (Christian Aid); Zobel Behalal (CCFD); Koen Warmenbol (11.11.11.) Layout: Anne Hullebroeck Front Cover image: Artisanal miners working in Kalimbi mine, near Nyabibwe (IPIS, April 2013) Antwerp, November2013 Acknowledgements: This project has been made possible through the support of Humanity United. The report reflects the views of the authors and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of Humanity United. The report has been developed in cooperation with the European Network for Central Africa (EurAc). 2 Executive Summary The exploitation of minerals is an important source of income for many communities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Yet this mineral wealth also plays a significant role in the continuation of insecurity in parts of the country. Revenues from mineral trade have given armed groups the means to operate, and provided off-budget funding to (often poorly paid) state security forces. Whilst recognising that this mineral wealth is not one of the root-causes of conflict, their trade does play a central role in funding and fuelling conflicts in the DRC, further weakening the already fragile government. Over recent years, several domestic, regional and international initiatives have been developed to address the so-called ‘conflict minerals’ problem and the high level of informality in the DRC’s artisanal mining sector.
    [Show full text]
  • Security Council Distr.: General 2 August 2005
    United Nations 5/506 Security Council Distr.: General 2 August 2005 Original: English Eighteenth report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo I. Introduction 1. The present report is submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 1592 (2005) of 30 March 2005, by which the Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), and resolution 1565 (2004) of 1 October 2004, by which the Council requested me to keep it informed regularly of developments in the Mission area. The present report provides an update on electoral planning since my special report on elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (S/2005/320 of 26 May 2005), and covers major developments since my last regular report, of 15 March 2005 (S/2005/167). II. Political developments 2. While the end of the first 24 months of the transition on 30 June was threatened by calls for violent disturbances, the situation remained relatively calm throughout the period. The Transitional Government maintained public order during periods of heightened tension at the end of June and early in July and the first weeks of the six-month extension of the transition have been generally peaceful. 3. In addresses to the Parliament on 16 May and 28 June, President Kabila called for an "assessment of the Government's performance" and a cabinet reshuffle. On 8 July, changes were announced in senior diplomatic and military appointments and some nominations were made for the petite territoriale (local administration).
    [Show full text]