Programme de Bonne Gouvernance ENGAGE Task Order DFD­I­01­08­00071­00

Monthly Report: September 2010 Activities

PBG Background

DAI began mobilizing the Programme de Bonne Gouvernance (PBG) on October 1, 2009. With a ceiling price of $36,251,768 for a five‐year (three years with two option years) program, the program’s purpose is to improve management capacity and accountability of select legislatures and local governments. The program focuses on three categories of partners: 1) Parliamentary institutions at the central and provincial level; 2) Public institutions having a stake and role in decentralization; and 3) Civil society and community‐based organizations.

PBG’s three Intermediate Results (IRs) are: IR 1 Citizens demand accountability IR 2 Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective IR 3 Laws, policies and procedures for decentralization established and implemented

Overall Political Context

 Overview of the situation at the National Level  National Assembly: In an address to the National Assembly, the Congolese President reiterated the need to review in priority drafts linked to judicial reform, elections, armed forces and national police. He also insisted on the establishment of the CENI Office.  Senate: In a similar address to the Senate, the President seemed to question the proper management of provincial institutions. The President of the Senate similarly questioned their usefulness, even though members of the Senate are in fact appointed at the provincial level.  Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI): The Office of the National Assembly extended the deadline for applications for various posts in the Office of the CENI, up to Monday, September 27, 2010. On the side of the government coalition, various names are circulating but none have yet been officially submitted for four seats. On the side of the opposition, hundreds of candidates have already submitted their candidacy for only three available seats. One seat is expected to go to MLC, the political party with the largest number of seats in the parliamentary opposition. The allocation of the two remaining seats will likely lead to intense negotiations between other parties in and outside of parliament.  Growing tensions ahead of 2011 elections: On September 22, members of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) organized a sit‐in at the MONUSCO headquarters to denounce the arrest of four of their fellow militants (in the opposition to the ruling coalition), and ongoing harassment of Congolese security force. Recent political events overall show growing tension and focus on the 2011 election. And so, instead of focusing on setting an agenda for the adoption of a number of essential and pressing laws especially those related to the elections and the decentralization process. PBG may have to reevaluation its calendar of activities in light of current and growing pre‐electoral tensions and to also avoid serving certain political interests.

 Overview of the situation in Provincial Assemblies  Katanga: Presentation of the 2011 budget to the Provincial Assembly: a $ 440 million budget representing a 41% increase compared to 2010. Violence broke out following a football match

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where the home team lost. Police fired live bullets into the crowd leading the death of one person.  Maniema: Political climate seems calm but the province faces a recurrent shortage of funding, in part linked to delays or lack of fund allocation from Kinshasa.  South Kivu: Political climate has generally subsided since the inauguration of new provincial government. The provincial assembly in turn looked at the budget issues and the Assembly exercised its supervisory role by questioning government official. Fighting between the FARDC and Maim. Cases of rape (50 women) were also reported.  Bandundu: Presentation of the 2011 budget to the Provincial Assembly: The Office of the Provincial Assembly asked the Governor to expedite the presentation of the provincial government’s implementation plan for the 2010 before the budget can be reviewed. Motion of no‐confidence filled against the Governor in late September was later withdrawn since some of the Provincial Members of Parliament (PMPs) withdrew their support to the motion before it could threaten to impeach the Governor. Protests erupted in Bandundu ville denouncing PMP suspected of having accepted financial rewards for withdrawing their signature. In March this year, an earlier motion of no‐ confidence against the Governor had also been withdrawn under similar circumstances.

These developments are not expected to negatively impact PBG activities at this stage. It could in fact be argued to that South Kivu’s current political stability since the appointment of new governor will likely ease PBG work with the Provincial Assembly. It should be noted, however, that in all provinces Provincial Members of Parliament have already begun preparation for their electoral campaigns with fund‐raising and other activities which might affect their availability for PBG workshops during the early 2011 parliamentary session.

Recent events in Bandundu seems to point to the corruptibility of PMPs especially in a province where members of parliament are often not paid for months at the time and can therefore be more easily dissuaded to play their role vis‐a‐vis the Executive. Similar circumstances in Maniema may also impact PMPs’ ability or willingness to play their oversight role. In fact, until Congolese provincial assemblies are able to enjoy the level of autonomy and income that they are entitled to under the law, PBG as a program will unlikely be able to have a real impact against this level of institutional corruption.

 Ban on Mining Activities South Kivu and Maniema: Two of PBG’s four targeted provinces were affected in September by government declarations related to mining in conflict areas. On September 11th, the Minister of Mines, Martin Kabwelulu announced the DRC government’s decision to impose a ban on all mining activity in the three provinces most affected by resource related conflict – North Kivu, South Kivu and Maniema – to undertake an inquiry into the nature of the relationship between the on‐going conflict between rebel forces and government forces and the attendant atrocities committed by both groups against local populations. Only international organizations expressed any significant opinion on government actions that may have important implications for the future well‐being of citizens affected by this conflict. According to an analysis by London‐based Global Witness, the ban “could provide breathing space for fundamental reforms to resolve conflict and instability in the mineral­rich area.” Notably absent from any news reporting was civil society either from the affected provinces or at the national level. PBG will explore the possibility of advocating work related to this issue in its good governance website project.

 Return of refugees to Katanga: In August, a landmark was reached in Katanga when the number of refugees returning to the province reached over 40,000 with the arrival of a further thousand into Moba. The UN agency responsible for these repatriations announced that it was closing one of the camps from which the Katanga refugees come. This represents a significant indication of stabilization in the area but which must be supported by civil society vigilance, i.e. to ensure that conflicts do not resurface between returning refugees and old enemies or new enemies who could resent their return.

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Key Activities and Actions by IR

IR 1 – CITIZEN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY

Main IR1 accomplishments for this month:  Continuation of Civic Education work (IR1.1.2‐3);  Audiences Publique, newly established at local level with civil society partners taking the lead in organization (IR1.2.1‐1);  Technical Assistance through consultant research for advocacy manual (IR1.1.5‐2);  Second Good Governance Website Planning Workshop (IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3);  Search For Common Ground popular education work (Activity IR1.1.2‐2);  The last workshop on public outreach for government officials held in South Kivu (IR1.2.6‐1);  the final debriefing/evaluation workshop with civil society partners in all four provinces (IR1.3.6‐2)

1.1.2­3 Civic Education

The civic education work initiated during the last period continued into this period with Animateurs Commaunitaires (ACs) engaged by PBG offices in each of the 4 provinces targeted by PBG to undertake a series of workshops focused on improving understanding of decentralization and encouraging greater citizen demand for the acceleration of that process. This first phase of civic education work is aimed at demonstrating for partner civil society organizations how they can use civic education systematically to build broader constituencies for their advocacy work. In future, PBG wishes to encourage its civil society partners to take on the civic education work as part of the constituency building aspect of its advocacy campaigns. It is unsustainable for ACs engaged by PBG to take on this work in the long term, but pursuant to the principle of experiential learning, PBG expects that civil society partners will only learn by doing.

 Anecdotal Feedback on the impact of the activity: In Bandundu ville, from September 14 – 16, 30 community leaders were oriented on the various key elements of decentralization and trained on how to further orient others on these elements. They also set an agenda for further orientation of community members as in collaboration with the ACs. On September 17th for example, community leaders accompanied ACs to discuss the importance of decentralization in the context of efforts to improve agriculture in the province. In particular, it was most important for authorities at local level to understand the rhythm of agriculture including the planting and harvesting milestones during the annual agriculture calendar for each crop.

ACs in Bandundu ville took advantage of the opportunity presented by the International Day of Peace on September 21st to convene a meeting involving civil society organizations engaging with the Mayor, members of the provincial legislature, heads of divisions of the interior and security agencies to reflect on and discuss "The concept of identity in the context of decentralization." This theme was especially relevant given the frequently expressed fear that decentralization could bring heightened ethnic conflict. The success of this event was reflected in the level of creativity shown by ACs and their collaborators in conceptualizing the event. Increasingly, PBG wishes to be less prescriptive and more empowering of PBG staff and partners to take their own initiative in the spirit of promoting meaningful and sustainable development.

Activity 1.2.1 ­1 – Audiences Publiques

This month, PBG managed to hold several audiences publiques throughout the four provinces it works in. The way these events were organized, however, was a new departure for PBG which is making all attempts possible to increase the sustainability of its activities by empowering its local partners to undertake activities such as these with as little direct PBG intervention as possible. With this new approach, PBG was also able to

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ensure that audiences could be held in more out of reach areas where the response to these events have been particularly encouraging.

 Bandundu impact of the activity: In Bandundu, one of PBG’s first success stories emerged after the first Audience Publique was organized in Lukolela on 6 September during which the public and local officials debated the importance of cultivating a tax paying culture among the population. In September, during PBG’s subsequent visit to Kikwit for the final debriefing/evaluation with all civil society partners held in the hall of the Commune of Lukolela, the burgermeister of Lukolela thanked the PBG delegation profusely and hosted them at his house for dinner to show appreciation for what the local level Audience Publique initiative had yielded. In particular, where the Commune of Lukolela had nothing in its coffers before the Audience Publique held at the end of August, immediately after the meeting, the over 300 citizens in attendance at the Audience Publique responded

overwhelmingly to the meeting’s message by making payments totaling Fr300,000!! Given PBG’s decision to slowly transfer the responsibility of organizing

Audiences Publique to local civil society, this initiative also established exceptionally strong good will in both

directions between the local officials of Lukolela and the PBG civil society partners that took charge of this Lukolela Burgermeister Adjoint, Jean Claude Nzazi event – COFERD and RECIC. (center top), wife (bottom right) with PBG staff.

This demonstrates the power of Audiences Publique when held at the local level, thus reinforcing the justification for adjusting this activity in the PBG program to be more responsive to the needs of the population and to ensure greater sustainability of the activity. In the aftermath of this activity, the response and the burgermeister’s gratitude, PBG will encourage citizen monitoring of how the tax receipts are managed given that the only way to encourage and reinforce the tax payment culture is to demonstrate the commune administration’s willingness and the capacity to manage public funds responsibly (see Success Story, in the July‐September quarterly report, drawn from this activity)

 Maniema Activity Feedback: In Maniema during this reporting period, two Audiences Publiques were held one on September 9th and the other on September 16th. The first focused on desertification and lack of potable water in the commune of Alunguli, while the second focused on fostering a tax payment culture also in Alunguli. According to reports, both meetings facilitated exceptionally positive interactions between the mayor and citizens on these sensitive issues. At the end of each meeting, a committee was established to monitor the progress towards addressing these issues. Given that the meeting on tax payment occurred during the middle of this reporting period, it is too early to tell whether and to what extent the event yielded the same impressive aftermath that obtained in Bandundu.

 Katanga Activity Feedback: A unique feature of the Audience Publique held in the commune of Katuba in Katanga and led by PBG civil society partner Société Civile du Katanga is that ahead of the meeting, a Decentralization/Audiences Publiques steering committee was formed. This follows a decision taken at an initial PBG initiated civic education meeting among community leaders on decentralization to form a pilot committee to monitor progress towards decentralization and the realization recommendations made at local Audiences Publiques. The pilot committee dubbed Comité de Pilotage de la Gouvernance Locale (CPGL) comprising of the 9 heads of the quartiers that form the Commune, a church representative, a representative of the public market and representative of civil society was thus duly established. This is another strong indication of local official willingness to work with civil society members.

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At the Audience Publique meeting itself held on August 20th which once again focused on encouraging a tax payment culture, nearly 100 participants were in attendance including among others, such relevant stakeholders as market sellers, teachers, taxi drivers, religious representatives, other economic actors, civil society members, chiefs of Katuba quartiers and representatives of the Katuba Commune office. At the meeting, after a presentation by the head of services for the commune regarding the tax structure and system of collection for the commune, feelings of distrust were openly expressed as the justification for the non‐payment of taxes. Another significant question raised was even where there is a willingness to pay taxes, how to address the inability of individuals and failed enterprises to pay. Recommendations made at the end of the meeting included the following:  Need to train, inform, educate the population on the importance of having a strong culture of tax payment;  Need to improve public understanding of the tax structure and nomenclature associated with all of the sources of tax revenue;  Need to train and motivate tax collection agents to do their jobs properly to improve the public’s perception of their role and image;  Need for tax collectors to have proper identification to signify that they are true representatives of the commune and that the funds they collect will be remitted to the commune;  Infrastructure in the commune should be rehabilitated in order to enable economic operators to thrive and to be in a better position to pay their taxes.  Presumably, the newly established CPGL will monitor the implementation of these recommendations.

 South Kivu Activity Feedback In Bukavu, Audiences Publiques in Kaduto and Bukavu were held on September 7th and 8th respectively. The focus of both was on the public’s perception of how public health is managed in these respective communes. Recommendations and suggestions from both hearings included the following:  A monitoring committee comprised of representatives from the health department, civil society, political parties and elected officials should be established to follow efforts to improve public health;  Health care costs for displaced persons should be charged to the UNHCR Kadutu initially. Then the family can be required to reimburse the agency afterwards;  The health department should take steps to assure safety of medicines which should be sold out of hospitals and not on the street;  Patients’ intake procedures should be improved;  SNEL and REGIDESO should improve their respective services of electricity and water in health centers;  Health centers should work to enhance citizen awareness of group health insurance options to alleviate the burden of catastrophic health care costs on individual families;  If all those employed by the health system, at all levels, work properly, progress will be proportional to the multifaceted efforts of all;  A tax payment culture should be encouraged so that the health care system can receive contributions from a certain percentage of tax receipts;  The process of decentralization should be accelerated to provide the ETDs with the necessary mandate to locally manage and improve the effectiveness of the health system;  The health authorities should work hand in hand with sanitation authorities to ensure high standards of environmental safety in the city. Such threats to human health as unsanitary pig breeding in confinement, unsanitary public toilets and public markets that are too close to roadways should merit particular attention from all relevant departments; and  Discipline in public sanitation and health safety should be encouraged by exacting penalties against those who violate public health and safety regulations.

Activity 1.1.5 ­2 – TA to PBG CSO Partners

During the month of September 2010, consultants provided by PBG partner SERACOB completed the preliminary research phase of a technical assistance project aimed at producing two manuals for use by PBG civil society partners and the larger universe of civil society actors, with visits to Maniema, Bandundu and Katanga. During the preliminary research phase the consultants sought through individual interviews to identify organizations that could be featured in case studies prepared by the consultants. One consultant was

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tasked with seeking out organizations that present the best examples of systematic data collection in support of advocacy. During this and some of the previous reporting period, she conducted interviews with 43 civil society organizations in Kinshasa, Bandundu and Maniema. A second consultant was been charged with identifying good examples of model advocacy practices. During the last and this reporting period, he visited Katanga, Bandundu and South Kivu to interview organizations there to identify stories of both successful and failed advocacy campaigns. Stories identified ranged in topic from the local advocacy network involvement in bringing into fruition the US legislation on Conflict Minerals to the failed attempt of a women’s advocacy network to force the introduction of legislation requiring gender parity in government institutions. By the end of this month, the organizations to be featured in the two manuals had still not been finalized, however it is hope that they will be during the next reporting period when the case study development process will begin.

Activity 1.2.3 –2 ­ CSO Good Governance Website Development

An important event held on the 20th and 21st of September reassembled Kinshasa‐based civil society organizations for second planning meeting of the good governance website. Highlights from the meeting included important decisions taken on the following subjects: 1) Role and composition of a steering committee 2) Staff needed for a permanent secretariat 3) Which information to begin collecting during the initial phases of the site 4) Timetables (the first meeting of the steering committee will be October 8th) 5) How to ensure sustainability of the site after PBG 6) Which organization would be responsible for contributing which information It is important to note here that this initiative continues to enjoy support from government and legislative representatives. Presenters at the workshop included one high‐level government advisor who advised the gathering on strategies for obtaining government information and government cooperation.

Activity 1.1.2 ­2 – Search for Common Ground Popular Education Work

Given that PBG‐DAI has strongly encouraged increased interaction between SFCG, its media partners on the one hand, and PBG civil society partners on the other, to ensure that PBG goals are attained through SFCG’s activities, the work products of SFCG show an increased relevance to the advocacy interests of civil society partners. As will be discussed under the section on the debriefing workshops, those series of workshops went a long way towards consolidating relations between PBG Civil Society partners and SFCG media partners and emphasizing the importance of the use of civil society organizations as a source of information and inspiration for news and special features. The media operating in a vacuum will likely overlook important opportunities to inform the public on issues being monitored by civil society organizations that specialist in various subjects. PBG will continue to steer SFCG work products towards a state of maximum relevance to the overall goal of PBG, i.e. to improve civil society capacity, including that of the media to hold government accountable.

During this period, SFCG aired television programs related to the victimization of women in the Kivus and on the challenge of caring for and integrating socially ostracized children who are the offspring of rapists and their victims. It is hoped that PBG civil society partners will be able to incorporate these products into their advocacy campaigns. (See Success Story, in the July‐September Quarterly report, drawn from this activity)

Activity 1.2.6 ­1 – Public Relations Training for Public Officials

The last of the PBG provincial training workshops on public relations for government and elected officials was held from the 6th to the 8th of September 2010. Participants in the workshop included senior civil servants, especially those most focused on public relations. Most were not used to the idea of open communications with the public as there is a greater tendency towards secrecy. A high level of commitment

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was displayed among most of the 18 participants, although the level of female participation was low. However, it was particularly encouraging that the participants committed to reporting back to their colleagues on what they had learned.

Coordination work with PBG partners & other organizations

 CENADEP: Meetings with CENADEP during this period were limited to regularly scheduled planning meetings and continued planning on the implementation of the civil society good governance website. There were in particular, several meetings to plan the second good governance website planning workshop of civil society at national level. That will be reported on under Programmatic Accomplishments.  SEARCH: In an effort to consolidate and strengthen the partnership, representatives from the television production team of Search for Common Ground visited DAI offices in Kinshasa to show several of its productions that have been funded by PBG. One on‐going challenge has been the disconnect between the work of SFCG and its productions and the work of the rest of PBG. Through becoming more familiar with SFCG’s products, DAI staff members are better positioned to maximize their utility in the context of PBG work. The relationship and mutual understanding were further enhanced through SFCG’s participation in the annual evaluation workshop which is reported on below under Programmatic accomplishments.  SERACOB: Meetings were held with SERACOB representatives and SERACOB consultants regarding on‐ going consulting work related to manual preparation for civil society groups and regarding future projects.

Activity 1.3.6 ­2 – Debriefing Workshops

From September 27th to September 30th in all four of PBG’s targeted provinces, debriefing and past activity evaluation workshops were held. The opportunity was also taken at these workshops to enlighten participants on the year to come through a presentation of the Year 2 workplan, the plan for grants and the plan for the good governance website and how provincial level civil society organizations can be involved. Despite some complaints received from partner civil society organizations over the course of the year relating to PBG’s delay in offering grant support, in the debriefing and evaluation portion of the workshop, many organizations reported on improvements and successes resulting from PBG intervention.

 Reported Impact: In addition to the success story highlighted above in Bandundu, in South Kivu, at least one organization reported that they incorporated learning from PBG into their advocacy efforts and another reported that based on their new understanding of the importance of advocacy as a specialized skill, they have restructured their organization to include an advocacy department which will include two staff members dedicated to advocacy work. In Maniema, the whole network of PBG partners, armed with their new skills in budget advocacy submitted a formal communication to the government initiating a conversation between civil society and government on the agriculture budget for the province. While the initial reaction from the government was antagonistic, once the civil society communication was reviewed by the agriculture advisor in the governor’s office, the government’s posture became much more conciliatory and they indicated their openness to an on‐going discussion with civil society on agriculture needs for the province.

Another significant feature of these workshops was the reinforcement of partner understanding of the PBG approach to project implementation. As a result of PBG staff’s effort to ensure partner understanding of its philosophy, even in Maniema where partners had complained the most vocally about the absence of project financing during the first year, they expressed a new appreciation for the principles of learning before doing and also of sustainability as a justification, for example, for why the cost of Audiences Publiques should be kept low. They now understand that if such events are to continue beyond PBG, there is a higher likelihood that they will continue if they are not so lavish.

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IR 2 – Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective

Main IR2 accomplishments for this month:  Preparation, organization and follow up on the Interprovincial Forum on the Public Finance Law  Two four‐day workshops on the research and drafting process of edicts in Bandundu and South Kivu  Key relationship building coordination work and meetings with key members of the National Assembly

Activity 2.5.5 ­1 – Interprovincial Forum on the Public Finance Law

On September 22, PBG helped organize a historical event bringing together for the first time 115 individuals1, representatives from all Congolese provincial assemblies, the National Assembly, the Senate, civil society and key players in the Executive branch of government to facilitate a joint reflection and dialogue on the final elaboration of the new Public Finance law. The forum constituted an unprecedented venue that helped elaborate, in an open and consultative manner, a law expected to significantly shape Congo’s public finances and decentralization process.

Through this event, PBG hoped to help facilitate the formal review and adoption of the legislation in the Senate and the National Assembly this fall. On the longer term, however, PBG also intended to help formant new exchange mechanisms between provincial and national levels of power. The degree of engagement of all participants prior, during and after the event confirmed that key players were indeed fully committed to this process on the short and longer term.

On the eve of the event, PBG organized a full‐day preparatory session for all provincial assembly members (2 representatives for each of the 11 provinces) and civil society members2 to help ensure they acquired a shared, in‐depth and technical understanding of the draft law and its implications especially at the provincial level, before they could present a unified and informed front when advocating for changes to the law. By the end of a long day, the group had nominated a representative to convey their concerns, priorities and recommendations during a schedule intervention at the Forum. Following the event, provincial members of parliament subsequently decided to gather again, late at night, to finalize their recommendations in a joint‐

1 Participants included representatives from all Congolese Legislatures at the national and provincial level, including about 40 National Members of Parliament, members of ECOFIN, a dozen of Senators, 10 civil society representatives and three members of COREF. 2 The six civil society representatives were members of a working group focused on "Economic Governance” PBG September 2010 Monthly Report – Page 8

statement that they themselves printed and distributed to ECOFIN members in the National Assembly and Senate, as well as members of the Committee in charge of Relations with Provincial Assemblies before returning to their respective provinces.

The quality of exchange during the event itself was also impacted by the overall level of engagement of other Forum participants, including senior members of the Executive branch such the President of the COREF who stayed for the full duration of the debates, openly welcomed by the audience in his advisory capacity. In the face of the success of the event, other donors present on that day3 committed themselves to supporting follow‐on events with the same format for the application of this law and the advancement of other critical pieces of legislation.

Activity 2.2.2 ­1 – Workshop: Constitutional Analysis & Drafting of Edicts – BAN&SUK

Following the Assessment of their provincial assembly, the restitution of its findings and the identification of priority areas of assistance, PBG started to offer four‐day workshops to Provincial Members of Parliament (PMPs) in Bandundu ville on 8‐11 September and in Bukavu on 22‐29 September. These technical trainings were designed to build on exciting knowledge to further improve the legislative capacity of provincial assemblies, drawing the participation of 65 and 45 members from both assemblies, mostly members of the Political, Administrative and Judicial (PAJ) Commission, the Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) Commission and Environment and Natural Resources Commission, as well technical members of the political and administrative staff involved in the production of legislation.

 The curriculum with the hope of achieving the following results  Build on and strengthen pre‐existing knowledge and skills of PMPs and technical staff;  Provide indispensable technical foundations for the drafting of edicts  Specifically strengthen drafting and research skills, as well as their ability to evaluate the constitutionality of a law before it is presented for review to the plenary  The Methodology was heavily drawing on adult learning techniques, divided into sub‐themes:  Examination of the current political system in the country  Review of the basic stages in the elaboration of an edict  Areas subject to review (areas under the jurisdiction of provincial, joint or national authorities)  Areas subject to further edict (related to provincial, national or concurrent levels of competences and jurisdictions)  Review of the basic stages for the preparation, adoption and promulgation of an edict The same training will be taking take place in Maniema in October this year.

Coordination work with PBG partners & other organizations

 Multi­donor coordination around the Interprovincial Forum – Multiple small meetings were held in preparation of the 22 September event to coordinate the vision and practical details involving the participation of other funders such as AWEPA, BTC and MONUSCO, and various speakers such as the President of COREF and the Vice‐President of the ECOFIN Commission at the National Assembly. Shortly after the Interprovincial Forum was held, UNDP invited DAI/PBG, the World Bank, COREF, CTB and other key implementing partners to make sure that follow up donor assistance to the implementation of the law on Public Finance would remain coherent and coordinated, especially ahead of workshop on ‘operational processes in the reform of local and provincial public finance’.  European Union – Met with representatives of the Department of Economic Governance under the European Union on 29 September to harmonize actions vis‐à‐vis the National Assembly. The new $ 5 million Euro EU program starting in early 2011 is expected to provide support for 5 years to the national level and to two provinces (North Kivu and Kinshasa provincial assembly). Both parties agreed that they

3 World Bank, UNDP, EU and COREF PBG September 2010 Monthly Report – Page 9

would try to ensure follow‐on coordination meeting would include the participation of other donors and leaders of the National Assembly and Senate  National Assembly – Directeur de Cabinet du Président de l’Assemblée, Clement Kwete on 14 September  National Assembly – In preparation for the Forum and on the day of the opening of the Parliamentary session (15 September), PBG met with: . Conseiller principal du Chef de l’Etat au Collège chargé des Questions Economiques, Firmin KOTO . Directeur de Cabinet du Président de l’Assemblée Nationale, Clément KWETE . Directeur de Cabinet du Président du Senat, Denis TABIANA . Secrétaire General du Sénat, Norbert BYAZA (RE : gouvernement officiaux in Congolaise parlements) . Senator Shenila MWANZA (RE: presentation of the program) . Sénateur & Président de la Commission ECOFIN, Evariste MABI . National Member of Parliament, Jean‐Lucien BUSA . National Member of Parliament, Médard MULANGALA . Directeur de Cabinet du Président de l’Assemblée Nationale, Kodjo NDUKUMA  National Assembly on Future PBG Assistance – . Secrétaire General de l’Assemblée Nationale, Norbert Libya, met PBG on 16 September, to discuss the following issues: o Com: Gathering of information on the external and internal communication systems of the Assembly o Intranet: Assistance provided under the French government o Website: Assistance promised but not yet provide by UNDP o ‘Annuaires’ : publications which PBG is supposed to support but do currently exists o The ‘Table alphabétique des orateurs o The ‘Le Bulletin des Questions et Réponses’ . Directeur de Cabinet Adjoin du President de l’Assemblée Nationale, Kodio Ndukuma, to discuss the following issues: o Forum: support by the President of the National Assembly o PBG collaboration: formulation and formalization of this longer‐term collaboration

IR 3 – Laws, policies & procedures for decentralization established & implemented

Main IR3 accomplishments for this month:  Completed the feasibility study projects in three Bandundu ETDs  Conducted two workshops for provincial ministries Bandundu and Maniema on Planning, Administration & Management  Conducted two workshops for provincial ministries Bukavu and Kindu on Financial Management  Conducted two workshop events at the ETD level on Financial Management and Monitoring in Bandundu  Organized two Inter‐governmental Working groups, on in Katanga and another in Maniema focused on ETD – provincial level relations within the decentralization process.

Activity 3.2.6 ­1 & 3.2.7­2 – TA: Feasibility Studies of Projects under Action Plans ‐ BAN

Gauthier Nimi, a consultant with much experience on developing small projects, visited all three ETDs in Bandundu Province to refine the projects proposed and prepare basic feasibility studies concentrating mainly on sustainability. He was in Bandundu (Mayoyo Commune) from 31 August – 7 September, in Kikwit (Lukolela commune) from September 13 ‐ 21, and in Bukanga Lonzo from September 23 ‐ 29.

The work was more challenging than initially anticipated since local committees wanted to introduce new projects that had not been endorsed within the earlier action planning workshop process, while finding sites for projects proved difficult. This activity also showed that local committee members and staff still struggled to understand the concept of sustainability and the need to clearly define roles and responsibilities of different parties involved (for example concerning maintenance). Overall, it underscored the value of developing small projects through the learning by doing method.

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In the coming weeks, the consultant’s reports will be evaluated and proposals finalized. Activity 3.2.2­1–Wkp: Provincial ‘Planning, Administration and Management’‐ BAN & MAN

In September, PBG offered two additional workshops for key provincial ministries in Bandundu and Maniema, namely the ministries of education, health and agriculture with limited representation from the Ministries of Planning and Budget. The training comes at a time when transfer of powers and staff from the national level has yet not been completed, and there remain ambiguities regarding the role of Provinces relative to National government. Most services remain de‐concentrated, but some decentralization is taking place. In view of the variety of different skills levels, and different administrations from which the participants have come, the training was designed to respond and adapt to the needs of the participants and the institutions concerned. As part of this training, the participants were assisted to undertake diagnostic analysis of their own working environment and to identify the skills and systems required to enhance the performance of themselves, their division and the Ministry as a whole.

The training focused on best practice in public sector management in the fields of planning, administration and management, and was designed to help participants analyze their own working environment in the following terms:

 Skills: Where weaknesses could be rectified by training, the facilitator helped the participants to prepare an analysis of the style and content of future training, which could bring the participants and their peers up to the level required by their institution.  Systems: The facilitator assisted the participants to critically look at institutional/systems issues (how decisions are taken and implemented). From this they could identify objectives for possible future training.  Management/human resources: The facilitator helped the participants to identify management issues (chain of command, responsibilities and job descriptions, performance management, reporting etc), and identify areas that could be improved by future training.

 Course feedback: The courses showed that senior employees of the state have limited respect for the management systems currently in place, openly criticizing the dearth of the information available to them, as well as the lack of sound financial management systems and record keeping. The trainer/consultant also interviewed the participants to identify their current roles, their individual training needs and capacity to help PBG better design future training and technical assistance. Findings showed that participants in the courses were almost all heads of divisions, that their levels of skills varied substantially but all remained extremely motivated to acquire knowledge that could help them perform better. Areas of special interest include: conflict resolution, negotiation and participation.

Activity 3.2.2­2–Wkp: Financial Management – SUK & MAN

By the end of September, and in collaboration with Provincial‐level Ministries of Budget, PBG managed to offer a four‐day training course on Financial Management to key staff working in the ministries of Finance, Budget and Planning, as well as the sectoral Ministries of Agriculture, Education and Health. The course was offered in Lubumbashi and Bandundu in August, while it was carried out in Bukavu (Sep 3‐8) and Kindu (Sep 24‐28).

The training focused on concepts of management by results and the development of expertise in the field of preparation, monitoring and budgetary control. Based on the evolution of the fiscal framework and practical experience in planning, preparation, monitoring and budgetary control, the team of consultants specifically aimed to:  Develop among participants a global perspective of managing for results by focusing on a logical approach to planning and analysis;  Help participants better understand the operating principle and objective of budgetary control;

PBG September 2010 Monthly Report – Page 11

 Strengthen the capacities of participants in the field of planning, budget tracking and monitoring of investments.

The methodology used was based on a participatory approach and pragmatic methods, such as sharing practical knowledge in the preparation, execution and monitoring the budget. As a result of the training participants gained greater appreciation of the following principles :  Management by results;  Logical framework and performance measurement;  Operation of budgetary controls; and  Monitoring of budget and investment.

These are new concepts, and when the systems are applied follow‐up trainings and TA (if appropriate), will be supplied.

Activity 3.2.9­1 & 3.2.7­1–Wkp: Financial Management & Monitoring for ETDs ‐BAN

Four‐day long training events on ‘Financial Management and adoption of Monitoring & Evaluation Systems’ was held in three ETDs in Bandundu (4), designed to respond to indentified needs of targeted participants, namely local ETD administrators and local civil society representatives. The participants were first invited to undertake diagnostic analysis of their own working environment and to identify the skills and systems required to enhance their performance. The overall course focused on three areas:  transparent and fair procurement procedures,  maximizing the ETD’s own revenues (income from taxes and charges etc)  efficient supervision and reporting – see below. The trainer used participatory analysis of current practices as a starting point for the identification of areas where improvements can be achieved. In terms of monitoring, the emphasis was on  establishing appropriate basic data collection methods,  using the data as input to financial management to rectify management weaknesses, identify corruption etc.  developing appropriate reporting formats  developing transparent reporting methods to allow citizen monitoring and reduce corruption.

The training was designed to help the participants to develop more efficient and collaborative procedures, either for immediate introduction, or if necessary for proposal to the authorities concerned. It also stressed the need to promote interaction, and preferably to establish links and systems, between all three participants, namely the province, ETD and civil society. The intention of the workshops is to give ETD staff and civil society basic principles of good financial management. This is a first stage in introducing more transparency in the budgetary process, in citizen monitoring of public expenditure, and the fight against corruption through citizen awareness. In both workshops there were eight (8) participants from civil society out of a total of 20.

 Feedback: The participants considered that the material would greatly contribute to both the understanding of the principles of good financial management, and to assist in better collaboration between civil society and the public sector. Recommendations concerning future workshops the group in Kikwit said were that the tax collectors should be brought into the workshops, as they are neither properly controlled nor properly trained. Moreover they do not account for the money they receive. They also suggested that six days should be allocated next time, with wider representation. Much the same recommendations were made by the Bandundu group. It was also felt that the Bourgmestre himself should have participated in this activity. The Bandundu group also appealed for technical assistance to follow up the training to make sure that the principles are put into practice.

4 Training in Bukanga Lonzo was scheduled to take place end of September but was completed on October 2. PBG September 2010 Monthly Report – Page 12

Activity 3.1.7­1 –Event: Intergovernmental Working Groups

Two Inter‐governmental Working Group (IWG) this month: one in Lubumbashi on September 1, another in Kindu on September 10. The theme in both cases was the relationship between ETDs and the Provinces. The meetings of the Intergovernmental Working Groups brought together participants from the Provincial Assembly, provincial government and ETDs. They were attended by 29 individuals in Lubumbashi and 28 in Kindu. The theme discussed "Division of roles and responsibilities between ETDs and provincial powers” resulted in the following set of recommendations, among others:  ETDs’ need to ensure compliance with the law relating to the collection of taxes by the deconcentrated services;  Strict application of Article 63 of the Act which states that the Governor may only delegate authority to the Administrator of the territory in case of extreme need;  That the central government provides grants to the ETDs to provide services;  That municipal and local elections must be organized;  Public Administration must be depoliticized;  Accelerate the rapid adoption of remaining texts on decentralization;  That the ETDs respect the limits of the powers

Multi­donor coordination around the Interprovincial Forum – Multiple small meetings were held in preparation of the 22 September event to coordinate the vision and practical details involving the participation of other funders such as AWEPA, BTC and MONUSCO, and various speakers such as the President of COREF and the Vice‐President of the ECOFIN Commission at the National Assembly. Shortly after the Interprovincial Forum was held, UNDP invited DAI/PBG, the World Bank, COREF, CTB and other key implementing partners to make sure that follow up donor assistance to the implementation of the law on Public Finance

Coordination work with Beneficiaries & PBG partners

 Unité d’Appui à la Décentralisation Sectorielle (UADS) – On September 14, PBG met with the World Bank consultant assigned to the Unit, Josephine Nkongolo, to discuss possible areas in which PBG could support the work of the Unit. In late July, the UADS had supplied PBG with a wish list of activities which were required to implement sectoral decentralization, but for which donor funds have not been offered. The list was broad in nature and some of the activities clearly did not fall within the mandate of PBG. New and more concrete opportunities for assistance emerged during this follow up meeting namely:  (1) The potential role of the private sector in the provision of public services, possibly leading to the development of a policy for public private partnerships.  (2) The development of a new law regarding the role of government in agriculture, using the Agricultural Code that is currently before Parliament as the basis.  (3) Preparation of regulations for the Conseil Consultatif National. PBG started to prepare SOW for the first study for submission month, together with a proposed consultant. The second activity will be started once the Code has been adopted by Parliament. We will clarify the nature of the third activity in further discussions with UADS.

 European Commission ­ PAUK and PER II Project Office ‐ On September 21, PBG met Maurizio Filippi, Coordinator of the European Commission’s road maintenance project in Kinshasa, and their road construction project in four provinces Bandundu, Kasai Occidental, Equateur and Bas Congo. PBG wished to see whether there are some lessons to be learned from their street sweeping and drain maintenance program in Kinshasa in terms of strengthening service delivery in the ETDs. The project is based on the concept of delegating management of street cleaning and drain maintenance to NGOs who, in turn employ local people. The project has created 22 transfer points for solid waste which is then removed either by NGO operated trucks of EC’s own vehicles. Their drain cleaning program is especially active in PBG September 2010 Monthly Report – Page 13

the dry weather when the solids in the drain can be removed more easily. For this reason the number of people working on the project varies from a minimum of about 300 to a maximum of about 2,000. Payment is made on the basis of work done which is measured by project staff. In effect the NGOs are small enterprises rather than civil society organizations that the name suggests, but the concept has worked comparatively well.

 World Bank – PBG met with Steve Dimitriyev, Senior Private Sector Development Specialist to discuss the request that we have received from UADS (see above) to study the role of the private sector in the provision of public services. He said such a report would fill an important gap and help to formulate policy. The World Bank had done some studies regarding the provision of social services by the publicly owned companies, such as Gecamines and the Railroads, but knew of no work covering that aspect of policy. He said they would gladly make available all the material they had and facilitate introductions to key figures.

The Bank’s work with the private sector focuses on making the state‐owned corporations more efficient. The first phase, now reaching the end, was to put in place technical assistance to establish systems to make them financially stable and more transparent – the process of corporatization. The second phase will be to invite private sector involvement in certain corporations where conditions may be right for privatization in the long run, but the first step would be to bring in private sector management. The target companies for further support are SNEL (Electricity), Regisdeso (Water) and SNCC (Railroads).

The Bank’s current project (The Private Sector Development and Competitiveness Project) currently stands at $180 million, with the prospect of adding a further $30 million. $105 has been disbursed to date. In addition to direct support to the companies, they are also looking at legislation and the business climate. They are also looking at the problems of debt restructuring, social services (private sector engagement with the provision of social services for employees – for example Gecamines owns and operates 93 schools and 4 hospitals), debts to personnel (e.g. unpaid/late salaries, pensions and severance packages etc).

They are very interested in PPPs and sponsored a workshop on the subject in February this year. The Congolese government was very excited by the idea and wishes to proceed with alacrity, not fully understanding the complexity of the arrangements necessary. The Bank is proposing to support the development of two or three PPPs under the current project (a new fiber‐optic cable and a proposed Special Economic Zone, possibly the railroad as well) as pilots from which it will be possible to develop appropriate regulations and legislation.

 DFID ­ On September 27, PBG met with Carine Escoffier, Tamsin Ayliffe and Jean‐Paul Mabaya of DFID to exchange experiences concerning participatory planning. They are shortly going to embark on a new project, building on their first project implemented by the International Rescue Committee. The first project worked at the village level, and they plan to work with some ETDs (including some in South Kivu) within the next six months and were interested in our experiences with the Action Planning process.

Challenges & Opportunities

 Public Audiences: The success story presented under IR1 (localization of public audiences) offers a tremendous opportunity to use its story as a model for others but also to initiate a model system of monitoring public expenditures and government accountability. The goodwill shown by all the key stakeholders create perfect conditions to exploit this opportunity.

 Responsiveness to legislative partners: PBG’s IR2 team in particular has had to juggle the need to fulfill its commitment to an ambitious workplan schedule and the need for a great deal of flexibility when dealing with the evolving political landscape and changing priorities /agenda/ demands of legislative bodies at the national and provincial level.

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 Honorarium for Public Officials: Until August this year, PBG was able to draw on the indispensible expertise of government employees in order to conduct the technical and/or practical trainings in high demand by Members of Parliament, technical support staff and other government officials. Starting September 2010, PBG has however had to postpone a couple training workshops that were supposed to be conducted by government employees since the program was asked to suspend the payment of any honorariums to government employees. The long‐term impact of this suspension is still unclear as we await to see if any of the selected trainers will now and on the long run accept to work without any form of payment. It should be said however that the program’s inability to pay any honorarium could possibly significantly impact the schedule and quality of its training activities under IR2 and IR3 in particular.

 Transportation allowance in remote areas: In line with USAID regulations and also to maximize the sustainability of its activities, PBG has consistently refused to give money to participants, especially when activities involve the participation of local populations in remote areas where there is no transportation cost to attend an event such as a local public audience or a civic education event in their own locality. Participants in all twelve ETDs where PBG works have started to demand some payment in exchange for attending these events, ‘like other [international] organizations have been doing’ (including other USAID funded programs). PBG has since decided to no longer circulate sign‐up sheets at civic education and theater production events, and only informally report estimated numbers since these activities are not part of the program’s official PMP. The absence of sign‐up sheets is also expected to help ‘localize’ these activities and minimize the visibility of our program as it attempts to empower local actors to take greater ownership and make these activities more sustainable. PBG has also begun discussions with other another USAID‐funded organization in hope that we may succeed in harmonizing our policies in this regard.

 Transport and access to PBG areas of activities: The increased frequency with which MONUSCO flights are postponed and/or cancelled presents significant challenges to PBG implementation, especially in terms of ensuring the timely presence in the field of experts and PBG senior staff when they are needed.

 Appropriation of activities at the provincial level: Throughout Year 1, PBG provincial‐level offices have been busy supporting the implementation and rapid deployment of activities mostly dictated by a Kinshasa‐led workplan. This has nonetheless also meant that provincial staff members have not had much time, opportunity, ability or practice to initiate their own complimentary activities at the local level. In order to have long‐term impact, however, our local offices will need to become more proactive and creative, drawing on their local pool of talent, connections and daily contacts with beneficiaries to make sure that the life of the program does not solely rest on a series of workshops conducted by external trainers, but on their ongoing contact, relationship‐building and responsiveness to local needs and opportunities. To help kick start this new approach and essential help change of the culture of our offices at the provincial office level, PBG has decided to hold intensive and in‐house ‘appropriation workshops’ in each provincial office between October and December 2010.

 Search for Common Ground: One on‐going challenge has been the partial disconnect between the work of SFCG and its productions and the work of the rest of PBG. Through becoming more familiar with SFCG’s products, DAI staff members are better positioned to maximize their utility in the context of PBG work. The relationship and mutual understanding were further enhanced through SFCG’s participation in the annual evaluation workshop in September. In an effort to further consolidate and strengthen the partnership, representatives from the television production team of Search for Common Ground also visited DAI offices in Kinshasa in September to show several of its productions that have been funded by PBG. Several meeting has since been held to better define SFCG’s Year 2 workplan within PBG’s wider plan of activities especially under IR1.

PBG September 2010 Monthly Report – Page 15

Upcoming Activities (October‐Novemeber 2010)

Timing Activity IR Location 2‐9 Oct 2.3.2.‐1: TA to clarify roles and responsibilities of committees IR 2 Bandundu

4‐8 Oct 2.1.1‐1 : Assessment of the Provincial Assembly of Katanga IR 2 Katanga

4‐8 Oct 2.2.1‐2 & 2.2.2‐1: TA to ECOFIN & PAJ of the National Assembly on the IR2 Kinshasa passage of laws 6‐9 Oct 2.2.2.1 : Workshop on the drafting of decrees and constitutional analysis IR 2 Maniema early Oct 3.2.9 & 3.2.7‐2 : workshop on budget process and M&E IR 3 Bandundu

18‐21 Oct 2.1.16‐1 and 2.1.17‐1 : Workshop on access to policy research IR 2 Bandundu

18‐22 Oct 2.2.1.14 : Workshop on archiving IR 2 Maniema

Oct‐Nov 3.2.1‐3: Continued Technical Assistance to the CTAD ‐ website IR 3 Kinshasa

Oct‐Nov 3.2.1‐3: Continued Technical Assistance to the Ministry of Decentralization ‐ IR 3 Kinshasa laws Oct‐Nov 1.1.2‐3: Civic Education sessions in all 12 ETD (continuation) IR 1 All provinces

Oct‐Nov 1.1.5 ‐1: TA to PBG CSO partners (continuation) IR 1 All provinces

Oct‐Nov 1.2.3 ‐ 2: Website Development, including a meeting involving at least 40 IR 1 Kinshasa CSO representatives Oct‐Nov 1.2.1 ‐ 1: Audience Publique at the ETD level (continuation) IR 1 All provinces

Oct‐Nov 1.2.6 ‐ 1: Additional Public Relations training for public officials IR 1 All provinces

Oct‐Nov 1.3.6 – 2: Media and Annual Program Debriefing IR 1 All provinces

Oct‐Nov Finalize CRD Plans and Consultant Appointment IR 1 All provinces

Oct‐Nov 3.2.2.2. Provincial level financial management training IR 3 All provinces

Nov 2.1.1‐1: Restitution of Assessment findings on the Provincial Assembly IR 2 Katanga

Nov 3.1.7‐3: Inter‐governmental Thematic Working Group IR 3 TBD

Nov 3.2.1‐3: Multi‐stakeholder workshops – RE: Action Plan IR 3 MAN or SUK

PBG September 2010 Monthly Report – Page 16

Programme de Bonne Gouvernance ENGAGE Task Order DFD-I-01-08-00071-00

Monthly Report: October 2010 Activities

PBG Background

DAI began mobilizing the Programme de Bonne Gouvernance (PBG) on October 1, 2009. With a ceiling price of $36,251,768 for a five-year (three years with two option years) program. The program purpose is to improve management capacity and accountability of select legislatures and local governments. The program focuses on three categories of partners: 1) Parliamentary institutions at the central and provincial level 2) Public institutions having a stake and role in decentralization; and 3) Civil society and community-based organizations

PBG’s three Intermediate Results (IRs) are: IR 1 Citizens demand accountability IR 2 Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective IR 3 Laws, policies and procedures for decentralization established and implemented

Overall Political Context

Overview of the situation:

 Security sector  An incident unexpectedly occurred in Kinshasa between President Kabila’s younger brother and several traffic policemen resulting in the arrest of the policemen involved;  A Belgian resident of Congolese origin died while being held under detention following an incident provoked during the passing of the presidential motorcade in Kinshasa;  The Rwandan defense minister traveled to Kinshasa to harmonize joint operations to be carried out in collaboration with the FARDC against the FDLR;  The repatriation of Congolese refugees from Burundi to South Kivu.  In Kalima, Maniema as a result of a fight between children at school, there was an insurrection against the non-natives, especially people from Kasongo. Around ten of their houses and two of their mosques were burnt as well as one Muslim school that benefited from former Minister of Finances’ support. The Police Commander’s house was also burnt raze. Some people dread possible reprisals in Kasongo, where many Lega families live.  Unusual events occurred in Kikwit: A military barracks was attacked, 3 soldiers were killed and their weapons were stolen. The Governor went there to comfort population but as soon as he left, violence started. The reason for this is that people are concerned by the disappearance of a General which a native from Kikwit and they are afraid he was murdered by the current authorities;  At the end of the month, DRC security was threatened once again by event which occurred in Nord- Kivu, this make some observers think that the war is likely to start again. MONUSCO soldiers based in Rwindi were attacked by Mai-Mai which are becoming more and more active in that part of the country. In their retaliation, UN soldiers killed 8 Mai-Mai. In addition, Major Patient Akilimani, Commander of the 3rd battalion of the 122th infantry FARDC, coming from ex-CNDP, has deserted with 22 soldiers in the night of October 26 in Alimbogo.

 Legislative sector  The submission by the Government of the draft budget to the National Assembly and it’s acceptance by the deputies during the plenary

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 The adoption of the law on the constitutional court after harmonization of points of view of the two chambers by a joint commission;  The adoption of the law on light arms;  Delays in the installation of the CENI resulting from disagreements among members of the AMP provoked by tension among the different political actors.  The Political situation on the national level is still strongly characterized by preparations for the next elections. Political appointments for CENI are yet to be determined. Opposition has given names for the three representatives it is allowed to appoint while AMP has not yet come to an agreement for its four representatives. This situation, if it lasts, will impact the electoral calendar.

 Decentralization reform  The adoption of edicts by four provincial assemblies (Bandundu, Bas-Congo, Kinshasa and North Kivu) on the creation of certain specific taxes which engendered conflict between the Federation des employers (FEC) and the concerned provincial assemblies;  Arbitration by the Government on the adoption of a decree annulling the above-mentioned edicts;  In response to an appeal filed by the Kinshasa Provincial Assembly President he was rehabilitated by the Supreme Court;

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Key Activities and Actions by IR

IR 1 – CITIZEN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY

I. Events and Issues Arising with Impact on IR1

This period was characterized by significant threats to freedom of expression, conflict, extortion schemes and the general failure of government to fulfill its public obligations to Congolese citizens. Most notably in Bandundu, at the end of the previous reporting period, the Governor of that Province ordered the closure of PBG/Search for Common Ground media partner Radio Bandundu FM, a community radio station based in the capital, Bandunduville. The governor himself, accompanied by police, led a raid on the station on September 30th in accordance with his disapproval of a broadcast the previous day in which a guest appearing on the program, “Découverte”, (Discovery), expressed his alignment with a call-in listener who criticized MPs who refused to sign a motion of “no confidence” against the governor. The journalist who expressed solidarity with the widely held sentiment in support of the no confidence motion and against those deputies who refused to sign it was arrested and remains in prison. Civil society in the province has organized meetings to discuss strategies for seeking the release of the journalist and a reversal of the decision to close Radio Bandundu FM. However, the PBG capacity-building specialist in Bandundu reports frustration on the part of Bandundu civil society members at not having more outlets beyond holding meetings and publishing messages of condemnation on the Internet. This raises the need to assist civil society at provincial level to work more collaboratively with national and international organizations as a means of exerting additional pressure on provincial-based actors. The national NGO Journalists in Danger has taken up this case but it is not clear whether and to what extent they are working in conjunction with Bandundu-based CSOs.

Also, in Bandundu, key flashpoints of conflict erupted and escalated to the point of requiring MONUSCO intervention. On October 4th, MONUSCO officials held a meeting with the Provincial Minister of the Interior requesting greater provincial government involvement in efforts to stem conflicts over land and ethnic rivalries between 2 different tribes in Masimanimba, namely Yansi and Mbala. At least 3 people have been killed, many more injured in conflicts that arise from disputes over forest land located between the two villages. At least 76 houses have been completely destroyed and their inhabitants displaced during this most recent conflict surge. In response to the MONUSCO appeal, the provincial Ministry of the Interior has deployed elements of the Congolese National Police in the two villages. Speculation suggests that a rivalry between provincial minister and a national deputy could be behind the conflict.

Civil society members in the area have called for enhanced capacity among all stakeholders in prevention and peaceful conflict management sufficient to prevent these types of conflicts from arising in future. They have also warned that this is especially needed in advance of the advent of decentralization since a decentralized structure of governance while beneficial in many respects, also brings increased risk of ethnic conflict.

Also, in Bandundu, a large scale expulsion of Congolese women from Angola who are obliged to cross back into the DRC at Angola’s border with Bandundu in the town of Tembo, has led to significant rights violations committed by authorities who make illegal vaginal searches of women under suspicion of diamond smuggling. Civil society advocates require support in pressing for the establishment of a court and a medical clinic in Tembo that could provide easier access to justice and medical treatment by victims of this practice.

The trend of violent conflict also emerged in Katanga during this period, most notably in Likasi where violent demonstrations against the local government were organized in response to a traffic accident in which two pedestrians were injured. The uprising turned into a real insurrection in the towns of Likasi and Kikula,

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according to corroborating sources. A period of major civil unrest ensued which resulted in the death of a student from gun fire and extensive damage to public buildings in both towns.

This incident has revealed a powder keg of discontent in Likasi which helps to confirm the recent findings of a PBG sponsored public opinion survey where Likasi popular sentiment towards government registered consistently as extremely low. In public meetings with the Deputy Governor in the aftermath of these events, public frustration was mainly directed towards the Likasi mayor at whom members of the public leveled charges of authoritarianism and open disdain for the citizens he is charged with leading and serving.

Already at least one PBG civil society partner, the National Association of Parents of pupils in Congo (ANAPECO), has been involved in organizing follow-up steps to use this incident as a point of departure for addressing governance issues in the area. PBG’s Katanga office has proposed organizing public hearings or public dialogues between political/administrative authorities on the one hand and community representatives on the other to find appropriate solutions and preventative measures to guard against similar incidents arising in future.

Also in Katanga, actions taken following the last parliamentary plenary session that focused on examining the draft budget in which committees were established to investigate the social programs of all of the major corporations in the province revealed the limited focus and lack of direction of the provincial assembly. This narrow focus on the activities of entities with “deep pockets” coupled with the failure to commit to investigating the extent to which the budget corresponds to actual needs of the population, suggests an intention to use these “investigations” of companies for purposes of extortion.

This indicates a strong need for civil society to work closely with the private sector on shared interests in the need for greater government transparency and capacity to develop budgets that are responsive to population needs. Government and legislative representatives serious about ensuring that the social programs of private sector actors are in line with government priorities should be encouraged to establish participatory processes aimed at achieving that objective. This presents an opportunity for PBG partners to advocate for greater budget transparency in general and greater transparency on government and legislative representatives’ dealings with private sector actors more specifically.

A campaign labeled “One Dollar for the City of Lubumbashi” to generate revenue for the rehabilitation of Lubumbashi city hall was widely regarded as inappropriate in light of the failure of the local government authorities to demonstrate capacity to raise tax revenue and manage tax receipts responsibly. Opportunities identified by the PBG staff in Katanga include supporting CSOs to organize awareness campaigns focused on educating the public on rights and responsibilities, i.e. responsibilities to pay taxes but with attendant rights to receive regular accounting by public officials regarding how tax revenues are spent, including on such projects as public building rehabilitation.

The ban on mining activity in the Kivus was still in force during this period. While the ban seeks to address the on-going mineral related conflicts there, it also threatens the livelihood of thousands of artisan miners thus risking further instability. This underscores the need for advocacy organizations to work more closely with both international and local organizations that gather statistical information on the impact of government actions on the local population.

Also in Bukavu during this period, it came to light that teachers and territorial school administrators continue to extort parents by illegally demanding payments for primary education, free access to which, in DRC, is constitutionally mandated. Incidents such as these would be an ideal subject for an oversight related

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legislative hearing that could be initiated by civil society through a formal visit to the provincial legislative commission on education aimed at persuading them to hold an oversight hearing on this issue.

The World March for Women held during this period presented an opportunity for local civil society to attract international attention to the plight of women in the Kivus specifically but also in DRC as a whole. Equally, the role-out the process to update voter rolls has presented an opportunity for civil society participation. While there should be maximum participation of civil society in this process, it is hoped that PBG civil society partners will remain sufficiently focused on government transparency and accountability issues both related to the electoral process as well as more generally.

II. Meetings held with other donor organizations

No meetings were held with other donor organizations during this reporting period at the Kinshasa level. PBG is still hoping to coordinate with other INGOs to establish a monthly civil society strengthening coordination meeting to support coordination efforts among INGOs that work in this area. This was not realized during this or the previous reporting period because of inability to coordinate schedules of representatives of key organizations working in this area.

However, at the provincial level, in Bandundu, a workshop organized by IFES at which PBG staff and partners were present presented a significant opportunity for the two organizations to develop synergies related to the upcoming elections and associated education related to decentralization. Also during this reporting period, the PBG staff in Bandundu attended a training seminar offered by UNDP on political party financing to explore possible synergies that might arise from follow-ups on this work.

III. Meetings with counterpart organizations

Meetings held during this period with CENADEP, SEARCH and SERACOB were mainly on routine matters.

IV. Programmatic Accomplishments

Most of the time spent in the provinces during this reporting period focused on continuing decentralization related civic education work in several communities. Most of the time spent by IR1 staff in Kinshasa focused on preparing for and executing an internal workshop to be conducted in all 4 provinces focusing on program ownership and change agency. Thus, the main accomplishments for this month were A) Continuation of Civic Education work (IR1.1.2-3); B) The Launch of one of the Special Projects – the Circle of Women project (1.1.3/5-3); C) Audiences Publique, newly established at local level with civil society partners taking the lead in organization (IR1.2.1-1); D) Search for Common Ground Grassroots work; and E) PBG Internal Workshops to Promote Ownership and Change Agency (no code).

Activity IR1.1.2 (SA3) – Civic Education

Different provincial offices of PBG have approached the civic education work differently. For example, in South Kivu, different modules have been developed and communities were visited 3 or 4 times and each time facilitators shared different aspects of local governance including 1) rights and responsibilities of citizens relative to their local government; 2) the role of civil society in bringing about decentralization; 3) the advantages and disadvantages of decentralization; 4) detailed information on all laws associated with decentralization; 5) and revenue raising at local level.

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In South Kivu, a total of 14 civic education events were held during this period according to the attached schedule of activities which also includes information on September and November.

In Bandundu, where civic education activities were limited to the capital, a large group event was held on the 10th followed by two focus groups on the 12th and 14th. All 3 events address the rights and responsibilities of citizens in the local government context. Events which followed the same format (1 main event and two focus groups) were subsequently organized on the 18th, 20th and 21st focusing on the role of civil society and the public in the implementation of decentralization and local development and on the 27th, 28th and 29th focusing on the benefits and advantages of decentralization.

In Katanga, 7 civic education events were held during this period, targeted mostly at market-based merchants. The focus of the information disseminated at these events was on decentralization laws and on the proper means of raising tax revenue. The events were held on October 4-6 and October 28-30.

Outcomes of these sessions in all provinces included:

1. Many participants admitted their previous ignorance and expressed sincere appreciation for facilitator efforts to enlighten them on these issues;

2. Participants committed themselves to apply the information learned and to return to their base communities. In South Kivu, for example, they committed to undertaking demonstrations calling for decentralization, given the advantages it provides;

3. Participants developed their own ideas, for example, in South Kivu they suggested the possibility of expanding the education campaign to schools and rural areas; and

4. Notably, there was also an expressed commitment on the part of community leaders and authorities to apply the lessons learned and pass them on to their communities;

5. In Katanga, given the targeted focus on market-based merchants, at many of the sessions, there was an equal number of women and men proving that this is an ideal place to reach women.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 (SA3) – Circle of Women

During this period, two of the 4 provinces, Bandundu and Maniema launched this project aimed at providing a platform for women leaders to demonstrate their knowledge, competence and credibility as authorities on a range of topics.

In Bandundu, the initial planning workshop with the women leaders was held in Bandunduville on October 25-27. The workshop consisted of setting up a framework for strengthening women's leadership across the province, to promote real and dynamic women in general in the spheres of political, economic, social and cultural development. The workshop featured the participation of twenty-two women leaders from Kikwit, Bandundu and Bukanga Lonzo (Kenge territory). The women are all very active participants in social and economic development in the province.

One of the principal objectives of this initial introductory and preparatory workshop was to identify the themes that would be addressed by the women in a series of radio broadcasts featuring 6 different thematic groupings of 3-4 of the participants. PBG will provide coaching and research assistance to the women prior to their appearing on the programs. The themes chosen are 1) the electoral process; 2) women, education and health; 3) gender-based violence; 4) customary practices that discriminate against women; 5) economic development through micro-finance; 6) gender and agricultural development. During the workshop, the PBG October 2010 Monthly Report – Page 6

participants identified over 30 sub-topics related to the 6 themes.

The same workshop was held in Maniema on October 27-29. Twenty women participated as well as five radio journalists. After a robust discussion on the barriers facing women who aspire to positions of leadership and further reflection on the nature of leadership, including the most desirable leadership characteristics, they chose the following themes to discuss during the radio broadcasts and also indicated the sequence of the broadcasts. Month 1) Women and Politics; Month 2) Women and Globalization; Month 3) Agriculture and Environment; Month 4) Women and Development; Month 5) Women and culture and Month 6) Women and Health. As discussed, the provincial PBG will provide the technical support and will also monitor the broadcasts.

The same workshop in the other two provinces was scheduled to be held at the beginning of the following reporting period.

Activity IR1.2.1 (SA1) - Audiences Publiques

In Katanga, 3 Audiences Publiques were organized and held on October 9th in Kipushi on October __ again in Kipushi and on Octobere 16th in Kasumbalesa.

First AP

The focus of the first AP was on tax payments, particularly on issues related to why people do not pay taxes, how the public can pay their taxes, how the public can monitor how their tax payments are spent and how to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate tax collection through understanding the tax classification and the nomenclature associated with each classification.

PBG staff present at the meeting which was organized in conjunction with partner civil society groups as part of the process of promoting civil society ownership of this responsibility, were encouraged by the willingness of Deputy Administrator of the territory to remain throughout the meeting and address participant's concerns. He came across as sincere and as someone who is genuinely interested in being responsive to the needs of the population and he seemed to appreciate this opportunity to interact with them. A monitoring committee was established in the aftermath of this meeting.

Second AP

This second hearing was a follow-up to the first and was in fact initiated by the authorities in response to the widespread complaints at the first meeting related to the persistent harassment of market sellers and others by illegal tax collectors. At the meeting, officials, civil society representatives and members of the population explored various solutions to addressing the problem of “false tax collectors.”

The public particularly urged officials to make official public statements when official taxes are to be collected.

Third AP

A third Audience Publique which was organized entirely by civil society partners and not attended by PBG staff was held in Kasumbalesa. The AP focused on the involvement of people in the process of decentralization. As the PBG office in Katanga has yet to receive a report on this event, there is limited information on the event.

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Activity IR1.1.2 (SA2) – Search for Common Ground Popular Education Work

PBG partner Search for Common Ground produced and aired radio and television broadcasts on subjects ranging from child labor in mines, sexual harassment of students at university and secondary level in Katanga, arbitrarily defined school fees and parliamentary work. Theater troops trained by SFCG also continued to support civic education and Audiences Publiques events in the various provinces.

Activity (No code) – Workshop on Appreciation

Out of recognition of the need for the provincial offices of PBG to assume genuine ownership of the goals, objectives and philosophy of PBG, PBG Kinshasa designed and planned a PBG internal workshop on “ownership and change agency” for each provincial office. The IR1 team assumed the lead for this activity and was actively supported by the governance coordination team.

During this reporting period, 2 of the 4 workshops were completed in Katanga and South Kivu. Over the course of the workshop, several strategies were employed to help provincial-based staff play a more active role in conceptualization of PBG activities and to assume leadership in supplying expert insights on their respective provinces that will inform and enhance PBG programming. Strategies included site visits to other entities in the province that have an impact on governance and development, facilitated reflection on core values, change agency, problem solving, approaches to program conceptualization, reporting, leadership, team cohesion, working from an appreciative perspective and roles and responsibilities.

Already, there is a marked improvement in reporting and idea generation from the two provinces in which these workshops have been thus far organized.

V. Activities Planned for November 2010

Activities planned for the next reporting period include:

 Training for Data Collection for the Good Governance Website;

 Launch meetings for the Cercle de Femme project in Katanga and South Kivu;

 Initial Broadcasts for the Cercle de Femme project;

 Internal Ownership and Change Agency workshops in Maniema and Bandundu;

 Training for Civil Society on Grant Proposal Submission, Execution and Management;

 Dissemination of Grant Call for Proposals for PBG civil society partners;

 Continuation of Civic Education work in some provinces.

IR 2 – Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective

I. Political situation

National level:

The draft law on DRC budget was presented to the National Assembly; the text was transmitted to the ECOFIN committee which is currently making a thorough analysis as well as visits to field to verify to the authenticity of announced revenues.

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Deterioration of relationships between the FEC (Congolese compagnies federation) and provincial authorities was an ongoing issue. The FEC is accusing Provincial administrations, especially in Bas Congo, Kinshasa and Katanga of installing taxes in violation of the Constitution. The central government ruled in favor of the FEC through its Minister of Economy Jean-Marie Bulambo who stated “Within the current institutional framework in force, only taxes fixed by national laws can be paid. Those installed by edicts must be suspended UNTIL the Parliament to adopts the “Nomenclature of revenues distribution”.

This statement provoked loud reactions from several governors who cited the non compliance to the law bearing free administration of provinces and to the Constitution. Actually, the Constitution envisages that edicts cannot be in contradiction with national laws which come first. But the Constitution also envisages that the Federal Government should provide the legal framework for decentralization to be effectively implemented. By delaying legislation related to nomenclature and the 40% retrocession, Kinshasa is impeding the decentralization reform process. A procedure is also envisaged to dispute an edict’s legality by taking the matter to the Constitutional Court which is qualified to rule on the dispute. Neither FEC nor Congolese government used that procedure.

Provincial level

Maniema:

The adoption of provincial budget, the analysis of a draft edict bearing organization of health services in Maniema, and of two ad hoc committees’ reports related to parliamentary oversight characterized Maniema political situation.

Sud-Kivu:

Political environment in the province was characterized by the forfeiture of the Vice-president of the provincial assembly as a result of his political party’s withdrawal from the presidential majority, the elections of his substitute and the adoption of provincial budget.

Bandundu :

This month was highlighted by the presentation of budget draft at the provincial assembly and the opening of a workshop on rules of ethics of a parliament, organized by CTB for the provincial assembly members. In Bandundu ville, political and administrative life is back to normal after demonstrations related to the withdrawal of a vote of no confidence against the Governor.

II. Events having an impact on PBG activities

At the national level, the environment is not favorable to PBG activities. Political stakes are enormous (Amendments to the Constitution, CENI, electoral law…), all these projects are likely to weaken institutions and jeopardize democracy. Politicians are more concerned by next elections and they are unavailable, not to say hostiles to a support that could prevent them in a way or another from implementing reforms that they planned.

Katanga: With the assessment finally made at the provincial assembly and the collaboration of Katanga MPs and staff, who are willing to work in partnership the PBG, it seems like IR2 activities have a bright future in this province.

Bandundu: In the light of events that happened this month, we can confirm that there are encouraging signs of development, democracy and good governance that need to be accompanied and reinforced. Actually, in his speech at the ceremony closing the budget session, the President of the Provincial Assembly insisted on the difference between the government and the parliament in interpreting the edict on budget. PBG October 2010 Monthly Report – Page 9

Maniema: Local authorities are getting impatient regarding IT equipment which must be given to them and is still stored in our office. A decision should be made in this regard.

Parliament members of French Community of Belgium shared their experiences with members of Maniema provincial Assembly at the academic day on October 9. This was an occasion of mutual enrichment knowing that Belgium has far more experience in the legislative field.

III. Meetings with other donors and partners

Other donors

On October 22, DAI/PBG Legislative Advisor participated in a workshop organized by PADDEL on reform of DRC Public Finances.

This workshop followed on Interprovincial Forum on the Law bearing Public Finances. This forum has to lead to a common strategy of active partners within the decentralization framework.

Several meetings and contacts with partners

Meeting with Penance TSHIKAMBI LUTONGO, Vice-president of Katanga Provincial Assembly, on October 4, 2010

Meeting with Mr. YANGALA, Administrative Director of Katanga Provincial Assembly, on October 5, 2010

Meeting of the Director in charge of sessions records of the Provincial Assembly on October 6, 2010

Meeting with Mr. LUBAYA, Vice-president of Defense and Security committee and Army Forces sub- committee. (October 8, 2010). This meeting allowed IR2 team to get more information on this committee of the National Assembly. Due to differences of opinions between members of this committee’s bureau, it has been difficult to define a common approach and prevent donors’ initiatives.

Meeting with Mr. KAMBALA, President of PAJ committee at the National Assembly. (October 8, 2010). The objective of this meeting was to identify laws for which PBG could provide technical or logistical support. Regarding the electoral law, Mr. KAMBALA said that the analysis depends on the appendices relating to the distribution of seats which depends on electors’ registration. He also suggested that DAI organizes workshops on the current system, its advantages and disadvantages, and on the future law.

Meeting with Mr. KUTEKALA and Mr. MULANGALA, respectively President and Reporter of ECOFIN at the National Assembly (October 8, 2010). This meeting was aimed at helping us identifying laws likely to require technical assistance from DAI/PBG. Among them, law on VAT was selected and logistical support was solicited for the committee to work on it.

Meeting with Mr. Liévin MAYANGA and Mr. NKATA, respectively Project Director and Legislative Advisor of DAI/DFID (October 12, 2010) they wanted to meet PBG legislative team to identify possible fields of collaboration. In this regard, law on Congolese Police reform was cited, but at the end on the day, nothing was decided in terms of direct collaboration.

Meeting with Mr.BYAZA, Secretary General of the Senate (October 13, 2010). Once again, the purpose was to analyze the feasibility of the support that DAI/PBG could provide to the Congolese network of parliament staff.

Meeting Mr. AWENZE, webmaster of the national Assembly to discuss on the plan made by the Assembly for the modernization of intranet and creation of a website for the National Assembly. PBG October 2010 Monthly Report – Page 10

Meeting with Mr. LUONO, President of the Committee in charge of relations with the provinces, Senate (October 14, 2010). The senator came to solicit PBG support for his draft law on modernization of Congolese payment system.

Meeting with Mr. ADAMARO Gilbert, Director in charge of sessions records, National Assembly (October 19, 2010). He gave DAI/PBG data on oversight actions carried out by the National Assembly for July to September 2010.

IV. IR 2 Programmatic Accomplishments

Kinshasa: From October 3 to 9, 2010, DAI consultant, Bob Kabamba DAI carried out a technical assistance mission at the National Assembly aiming at the drafting and the signature of a partnership agreement. Within the framework of this mission, IR2 team and the consultant met the President of PAJ committee. This consultancy should lead to the signature of a document defining in a specific way the PBG-National Assembly partnership framework.

All the MPs met and are willing to work in partnership with PBG and request specific support in legislative work. However, they have to wait for an official authorization for the President of the National Assembly.

IR2 couldn’t meet President Boshab (trip abroad, funeral in President Kabila’s family.).

Despite this, Mr. Kabamba met Boshab in Belgium where he went for a mission. They drafted an agreement of collaboration between the Assembly and PBG and Boshab’s approval was given. But to date, we are still unable to get a feedback from the National Assembly on this signed document.

Maniema: From October 19 to 21, a workshop on edicts drafting and constitutional compliance was organized for Maniema Provincial Assembly by Professor Ambroise KAMUKUNY ( 2.2.2.1).

Participation: Approximately thirty five (35) deputies and staff members were actively involved in this workshop.

Results :  Drafting by each group of an edict bearing on a matter selected by the trainer among important issues identified;  Presentation of the work in plenary session, critics, enrichment of six draft edicts on each matter analyzed. The training report was discussed and adopted by the plenary that sent the works to the Bureau for possible future use;  Participants were reinforced in their capacities to draft edicts, analyze compliance with Constitution, and law, and adopt them according to the legal procedure before a rapid promulgation;  A symbiosis seems to be created between MPs for a quick edicts drafting for next January 2011 session;  Assembly’s performance is reinforced thanks to MPs’ awareness on their responsibilities towards their respective constituencies.

Lessons learned from this workshop:

The participants attempted to justify their lack of inertia implementing the legislative process (since the institution’s installation, the Assembly has not produced a single regulatory edict) by stating that it was due to different obstacles encountered doing parliamentary work:

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 Lack of sufficient information inhibits the provincial deputies in understanding what they are supposed to do, notably the inexistence of archives which contains a list of national laws already promulgated and in effect;  A certain tendency to believe that legislative work must be started by an initiative started up by the provincial government,  Lack of attendance by deputies at the different workshops organized in their favor dos not facilitate the mastering of procedures relating to legislative drafting;  The majority of the deputies are preoccupied with surviving which blocks them from thinking about legislative work.

Recommendations:

 Follow-up on the workshop report to be submitted to the Assembly bureau.  Target the deputies with an awareness-building campaign to favor legislative work and apply pressure against frequent absenteeism, even if subsistence is difficult. The tendency to leave the legislative initiative to members of the government must be discouraged in order to facilitate the rehabilitation of legislative practices, notably those practices which are recognized in the provincial assembly constitution;  Compile a legislative data base which can be established if the parliament obtains a subscription for the Journal Officiel and enlarging the archiving service which is already in service at the assembly. This difficulty could also be overcome by increasing accountability on the part of the members of the archiving service and a workshop adapted on the usage of legislative data;  The internal regulations of the PA refers to very interesting options which favor legislative work even if it does not make a distinction between “ordinary edicts and “ordinary edicts”, a distinction which is not sanctioned by the constitution.

Sud- Kivu: IR2 team leader is preparing a trip to Bukavu under activity 2.1.1. To plan trainings for the next 3 months with the Provincial Assembly.

Bandundu: IR2 team in collaboration with local staff has prepared activities 2.1.16-1 and 2.1.17-1 on access to research on politics which were planned for October. However, they were postponed to the next parliamentary session as the Provincial Assembly had a busy schedule.

Training on archiving (2.1.14-1) planned for the last week of October, was postponed pending USAID approval for the facilitators.

Katanga: IR2 carried out Katanga provincial Assembly’s assessment (2.1.1), from October 4 to 8, 2010. Numerous PAJ, ECOFIN and EDUCATION committee’s members as well as political and administrative staff members participated and answered to the questionnaire. Results of this assessment will be published and presented to the provincial assembly members next quarter.

IR 3 – Laws, policies & procedures for decentralization established & implemented

I. Meetings held with other donors

World Bank On October 27 IR 3 Team Leader, Richard Martin attended the donor coordination meeting on the reform of public finances which is coordinated by the World Bank where he was informed that the PBG workshop held in September which brought the provincial assembly members to meet with Ecofin had been instrumental in focusing attention on the need for speedy passage of the Loi Financiere, on the work of the Committee for

PBG October 2010 Monthly Report – Page 12

financial reform (COREF) as well as the need to start looking in more detail at provincial financial legislation and practice.

A follow-up workshop was held on October 20 and 21 where a number of recommendations were made, including:  The need for procedure manuals regarding receipts at the provincial and local levels;  The need for more support for provincial and local levels regarding the introduction of the chaine de depenses;  The need to modernize the salary payment system, and link it properly to human resources systems and the chaine de depenses;  The need to disseminate information about the laws regarding public procurement and to strengthen the staff responsible for it.

The workshop also stressed the need to use better planning tools, management by results, use of the medium term expenditure framework, local action plans and the like.

Finally it recommended a closer working relationship between CTAD and COREF regarding financial management, and asked COREF together with CTAD, to work with donors to ensure that all provinces were covered.

Responding to the last recommendations regarding planning, a CTB representative, Kurt Petit, who is an advisor in the Ministry of Planning said it was ironic that exactly a week earlier, at the same hotel, under the coordination of the same agency (UNDP – PADDL) there had been a workshop which focused on exactly the same points regarding planning, budgeting etc., and had come to the same conclusions. He said this duplication did not reflect well on the UNDP.

Regarding progress on financial reform, the Chairman, Woury Diallo, said that the Ministry of Budget was not being cooperative regarding the reform of public procurement. This was a serious setback and they were assessing how to address the issue.

The French representative said they were providing experts to the Ministries of Finance and Budget on two year contracts.

The EU representative said their project to provide accommodation for COREF was complete. Since they represented a variety of Ministries this would help them in their work, because currently they had no premises and coordination presented a serious challenge. The EU was providing short term (6 months) TA to COREF to help them establish operational systems. This would be followed by a one-year TA assignment, starting in March 2011 to support their work.

II. Meetings held with counterpart organizations

Unité d’Appui à la Décentralisation Sectorielle (UADS)

We met with UADS on October 22 to discuss the proposed study regarding the role of the private sector in the provision of public services. This was followed by a technical meeting on October 26 to finalize the Scope

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of Work for the consultants, and to discuss local candidates. A final SOW was agreed on October 27 and candidates were interviewed the following day. The process of hiring the consultants has been started.

III. Programmatic Accomplishments under IR3

Feasibility Studies of projects under the Action Plans, Bandundu. Gauthier Nimi, a consultant with much experience on developing small projects, visited all three ETDs in Bandundu Province in September to refine the projects proposed and prepare basic feasibility studies concentrating mainly on sustainability. He submitted his final report in October and the team met his to clarify certain points and ensure that the information was complete. The approved final report is expected to be ready in early November.

Feasibility studies have been done for the following projects:

Sector Description Cost Mayoyo, Bandundu Education Renovation to existing mud-brick walled mid-level $22,300 technical school, including sanitation Education Construction of trade training school (sewing, masonry, $84,410.63 electrical) Agriculture Piggery $13,237 Fish farm $11,179 Vegetable gardens $3,888 Lukolela, Kikwit Agriculture Piggery $62,386 Agriculture/ Rehabilitation of Agricultural College, including $32,730 Education sanitation Agriculture Fish farm and tilapia breeding center $24,641 Bukanga Lonzo Agriculture Seed and tool center $26,524 Education Rehabilitation and extension of primary school $22,618 Health Rehabilitation of pharmacy at Health Center $10,699

The proposals are being studied in terms of viability and sustainability, and recommendations will be made to the participating ETDs regarding which project might be suitable for grant funding.

3.2.2.1 Provincial Training on Planning, Administration and Management Trainer: Bob Ngutu This series of provincial training workshops covering all four provinces was concluded with a four-day workshop in Bukavu in early October (Oct 6, 7, 8, 9). This was conducted using the principles of adult learning in which participants shared their experience and pooled ideas, and undertook much problem- solving group work. They worked in groups according to the sector they represented – health, education and agriculture in, (for example):  developing a common approach to identifying stakeholders in project development,  definition of objectives and results,  the chain of command and decision-making, and

PBG October 2010 Monthly Report – Page 14

 Expenditure control.

In this workshop there was more interest in the planning stages of projects than had been the case in other provinces. The participants expressed their interest in tackling the weaknesses of current systems, for example in  Planning o Lack of analysis of risks o Lack of consultation o Lack of feasibility/sustainability analysis  Decision-making o lack of participation o delays  Lack of financial transparency  Poor management of physical and human resources

As with other workshops in this series the facilitator recorded details of expressed training needs that can be used to design future programs. The subject most in demand was project monitoring and evaluation, the second was the project design and development process. The third most wanted was human resources management.

3.2.9 1 and 3.2.7.1 Provincial Training on Financial Management and Monitoring for ETDs in Bandundu Trainer: Mbake Murhamya The training was held within the three ETDs in Bandundu, and was designed to be responsive to the needs of the participants concerned. The participants were assisted to undertake diagnostic analysis of their own working environment and to identify the skills and systems required to enhance their performance.

The financial management training focused on three areas:  transparent and fair procurement procedures,  maximizing the ETD’s own revenues (income from taxes and charges etc)  Efficient supervision and reporting – see below. The trainer used participatory analysis of current practices as a starting point for the identification of areas where improvements can be achieved.

The workshop with the last of the three ETDs (Bukanga Lonzo) was held on October 1,2 4 and 5.

As was the case with the previous workshops the training was received with great interest, and it was suggested that in future a wider group of beneficiaries should be invited.

Overall the messages from this training were clear. The standard of financial management in the ETDs are managed leaves much to be desired. The training helped all the participants to see the weakness of current systems, and by demonstrating simple procedures the trainer helped the participants to see the value of good management and efficient systems in limiting the scope for corrupt practices and theft.

There is little doubt that while these trainings have made an impact, this could be lost if there is no follow-up in the future. Also, as noted in last month’s report, there is a need to expand the attendance to include those

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responsible for collecting taxes. It is said that they are untrained and insufficiently supervised, thus allowing them to pocket much of what they collect, and subject the public to unauthorized taxation.

As a result, it has been decided to expand the attendance to the workshops in the three other provinces, starting in November, to include the local tax collectors.

Constraints & Opportunities

 Constraints

Animateurs Communautaires (ACs) responsible for conducting civic education sessions in South Kivu were told to suspend work because of confusion and expectation related to their contracts but also more broadly because of a programmatic decision made by PBG management to transfer all grassroots education and dialogue facilitation to local civil society organizations in order to ensure greater sustainability of these activities. PBG will not continue to assume the lead on this work in any of the provinces beyond December. Moreover, it became clear from the reports submitted by ACs to PBG that the identification of DAI as the lead organization brought with it heightened expectations among participants of such benefits as transport reimbursement and refreshments. This is inappropriate for a civic education event where facilitators are expected to hold civic education events in situ and participants are therefore not required to travel long distances to attend.

PBG still awaits program planning documentation from Search for Common Ground. The delay in receiving this documentation has hampered PBG’s ability to measure SFCG achievements against workplan.

Once again, the increased frequency with which MONUSCO flights are postponed and/or cancelled presents significant challenges to PBG implementation, especially in terms of ensuring the timely presence in the field of experts and PBG senior staff when they are needed.

 Opportunities

Increased violence and conflict in the country has put pressure on civil society organizations to assume leadership roles in conflict mediation and advocacy for increased positive government intervention. PBG should explore opportunities to provide support in that regard.

The opportunity to encourage civil society cooperation with the private sector, especially in Katanga is significant given the increased pressure exerted by government authorities on private sector entities for excessive taxes, fines and other sources of revenue, especially ahead of elections. Given the harmful effect of this practice on economic development in the country, there is a clear convergence of interests between the private sector and development sector that should be exploited.

Many of recent events presented in the first section of this report present opportunities for legislative oversight hearings, initiation of which should be encouraged by IR2 as well as IR1 civil society partners.

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

Upcoming Activities (November 2010)

Timing Activity IR Location Nov 1.1.2-3: Civic education campaign IR 1 Bandundu

Nov 1.1.2-3: Civic education campaign IR 1 Maniema

Nov 2.1.14-1: Archiving training for the PA staff IR 2 Maniema

Nov 1.1.3-1: Circle of women meeting IR 1 Katanga Nov 1.1.1-1: Training for data collection for the good governance website IR 1 Kinshasa

Nov WKP: Internal ownership and change agency workshop IR 1 Bandundu

Nov WKP: Internal ownership and change agency workshop IR 1 Katanga

Nov 1.1.3-1: Circle of women meetings IR 1 South Kivu

Nov 1.1.2-3: Civic education campaign IR 1 Katanga

Nov 1.1.5-1: Grant preparation training IR 1 Bandundu

Nov WKP Validation of the development plan Kasuku commune, Kindu, Maniema IR 3 Maniema

Nov 2.1.1-3 Institution development and staff training plan PA IR 2 Maniema

Nov 2.1.1-3 Institutional development and staff training plan PA IR 2 SK

Nov 1.1.1.1 Virtual training on the internet site IR 1 Kinshasa

Nov 2.1.14-1: Archiving training for the PA staff IR 2 Bandundu

Nov WKP: Internal ownership and change agency workshop IR 1 All pro

Nov 3.2.1-3: Preparation of action plan for the chefferie of Ngweshe IR 3 Maniema

Nov 1.1.1.1 Virtual training on the internet site IR 1 All provinces

Nov 3.1.7-3: Inter-governmental Thematic Working Group IR 3 TBD

Nov 3.2.9-3/3.2.9-4: Financial management in Likasi IR 3 Katanga

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Programme de Bonne Gouvernance ENGAGE Task Order DFD-I-01-08-00071-00

Monthly Report: November 2010 Activities

PBG Background

DAI began mobilizing the Programmed de Bonne Governance (PBG) on October 1, 2009. With a ceiling price of $36,251,768 for a five-year (three years with two option years) program. The program purpose is to improve management capacity and accountability of select legislatures and local governments. The program focuses on three categories of partners: 1) Parliamentary institutions at the central and provincial level 2) Public institutions having a stake and role in decentralization; and 3) Civil society and community-based organizations

PBG’s three Intermediate Results (IRs) are: IR 1 Citizens demand accountability IR 2 Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective IR 3 Laws, policies and procedures for decentralization established and implemented

Overall Political Context

Overview of the situation:

 Event having an impact on IR 1

 The violence that erupted in Likes in the previous reporting period was replicated in Kiewit in Bandundu during this reporting period destabilizing the area and the province as a whole for several weeks. The destabilization began at the beginning of the month with an attack on the military barracks in Kiewit the aim of which was apparently the seizure of weapons. Civil society allegations that this represents a trend in the area were quickly dismissed by local authorities. The looting and rioting that transpired immediately following the initial attack suggests a deeper level of public discontent and as in the case of the Likes scenario, the official response was mostly inappropriate. Civil society in Kiewit is currently seeking ways to promote greater transparency on this and similar incidents and has shared specific plans with PBG to organize public meetings targeting such key stakeholders as the Mayor of Kiewit and the military establishment.

 The international concern over the treatment of women at the Tambo border with Angola remained as a dominant preoccupation in that province. The fact that the situation escalated to the point of receiving international attention provides further opportunity for local civil society to put pressure on provincial and national authorities to address this issue. In that same province, the journalist who had been arrested at the end of September and provisionally released on the last day of October remains free and the national organization Journalists en Danger continues to follow his case and trial.

 Two significant opportunities for civil society in Bandundu arose during this period. First, a project supported by UNICEF promoting the systematic collection of statistical data relating to growth and poverty indicators. It will be important for civil society to monitor the level of transparency of the

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project in terms of the management of the data and levels of accessibility by non-governmental actors. The second project involves an agricultural pilot project spearheaded by an association of traditional chiefs and aimed at demonstrating mechanized soybean and corn production. It is hoped that such a project can be linked to the advocacy campaigns eventually financed by PBG in which civil society organizations will use the data collected from this experiment to advocate for expanded mechanization based on a tested model.

 A major event in Katanga during the last days of this reporting period was the sacking of the entire leadership of the mining parastatal Gécamines on orders from President Joseph Kabila. In a statement explaining the decision, the national minister of mines cited the former management team’s inability to take advantage of rising mineral prices and to manage partnerships effectively. This presents a huge opportunity to civil society in Katanga to monitor the leadership transition and to advocate for greater transparency of the management of natural resource exploitation in the province. It is especially encouraging that the new president of the board will be the current head of the national chamber of commerce, the FEC. He is well regarded and may be a potential ally of civil society, especially on issues where the interests of business and civil society intersect. Illegal tax collection also continues as a major preoccupation in Katanga and was further highlighted this month when the governor himself visited the border to ascertain the extent of the problem. He has now reiterated the need for the public to pay import duties only at authorized collection points. Civil society organizations might position themselves to become sources of expertise on this subject and provide recommendations to the governor regarding the most effective possibilities for tax and import duty collection.

 Once again, the roll out of the electoral registration process and voters roll revision, this time in Maniema, during this period presented an opportunity for civic education to civil society groups. However, as with the other provinces, it is important to note that the attention of PBG partners may be significantly diverted by the on-going electoral process. It might be useful for USAID to organize a meeting with its governance partners to anticipate the impact of electoral processes on USAID funded governance related activities and explore how to best coordinate US supported efforts.

 The killing of two civilians caught up in a clash between DRC troops and members of a Burundian rebel group in the South Kivu town of Kiliba which resulted in the displacement of many more civilians suggests that border clashes could be on the rise in the region. It was not clear whether or to what extent civil society in South Kivu has gotten involved in this issue. However, it raises the need for the organizations that have alert systems in place to work more closely with advocacy groups in order to apply pressure to authorities to take preventive measures that will help to obviate the escalation of incidents such as these.

 Events having an impact on IR2

National level

 On November 16th, 2010, the International NGO, Crisis Group, made available to the public a report in which they underlined the limits of the military operations jointly carried out by the Congolese and Rwandan armies in the East of the DRC. They noted that “Congolese and Rwandan attempts to put an end to the conflict prevailing in the East of Congo, by concluding a secret presidential agreement and using force, is failing and must basically be revised by the government of Kinshasa and the international community”. This report, like preceding reports emanating from international NGOs,

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was questioned by the Government of the DRC, which thinks that considerable results have been achieved on the ground.

 The National Assembly adopted the State budget on November 17th, 2010 for the 2011 fiscal year. The budget presents a balance, in takings and in expenses, of an amount of 6,653,300,651,490 billion CF. This budget presents a rate of 18.5% increase in comparison with the budget of the 2010 fiscal year. The National Assembly divided up the additional envelope as follows: 100 billion CF for remuneration on top of what was initially envisaged by the government, 99 billion CF for the productive investments, 71 billion CF for transfers to provinces, 11 billion CF for retrocession to the state administration, and 10 billion CF for special expenses.

 The Senate plenary initially planned for November 24th, 2010, did not take place due to the strike movement initiated by the Senators. Although present in the People’s Palace, the latest refused to attend the plenary in order to show their discontent concerning the delay encountered in the payment of their emoluments.

 For the first time in the legislature, on November 26th, 2010, the ECOFIN commission of the National Assembly presented to the plenary the parliamentary report on the execution of the 2009 law on finances / first semester. The Commission made note of significant failures in keeping within the budget ranging from 17% to 402% as well as numerous irregularities made in violation of the financial law. During its investigations, the Commission conducted a survey on a sample of files. This investigation allowed putting in evidence numerous hitches in the management of the Government finances.  Among the recommendations in the report was one that the government should penalize ministers implicated in the mismanagement of public finances. After a particularly tumultuous debate, the plenary adopted the report of the Commission. At the end of the plenary of November 26th, 2010, the Speaker of the National Assembly requested the ECOFIN commission to continue its mission with the examination of the implementation of the budget for the second semester of 2009 and the first semester of 2010. It will be interesting to closely follow the results which will be reserved to this mechanism of parliamentary control, either politically or from the legal point of view. A motion of censure against the Government could happen due to the presumed involvement of the Prime minister. The Public Prosecutor of the Republic could also seize the matter and start legal proceedings. Provincial Level

South Kivu:

 In the Provincial Assembly, the following events were observed:

 A disagreement arose between the Speaker and the Questor, who complains of never being associated with the operations of entries and withdrawals of funds, though this is an important part of his duties.

 A petition, which circulates since October, accuses the Speaker of mismanagement and claims his rejection by members of the Provincial Assembly and the general population.

 A complaint was filed by Mr. Habamungu after his ejection by his peers from his position of Deputy Speaker of the PA which will result a judgment made by the Appeals Court of Bukavu. PBG November 2010 Monthly Report – Page 3

A Reporter should also be elected in replacement for Mr. Ngongo Lusana, who was appointed Deputy Speaker.

Bandundu:

 The month of November was mostly characterized by insecurity in the city of Kiewit, after the attack of a military camp and the death of three elements of the Congolese army. The reasons of this attack are not yet clarified to date.

 The Speaker of the National Assembly held a strategic meeting with all national deputies, natives of the province of Bandundu, on this matter. A survey mission should be organized shortly.

 The central Government, at its level, took seriously this strong alert to the point that during the inter-institutional meeting held in Lubumbashi on Thursday, November 11th, the participants recommended that responsibilities be established and that appropriate sanctions should be applied. To date, this issue is not completely closed.

Katanga:

 On November 11th, 2010, the President of the Republic chaired in Lubumbashi an inter-institutional meeting, a consultation framework on the running of the Nation between the Chief of the State and the managers of the institutions of the Republic. Subjects relating to the security situation of the country, to the parliamentary activities, to the election process, to the serious violations of human rights were tackled during the meeting.

 Events having an impact on IR3

Six Governors, led by the Governor of North Kivu have demanded that provinces keep their own revenues, and the situation became so serious that the Prime Minister called them to Kinshasa to negotiate, as Provinces were passing edicts to keep their own revenues. They were locked in negotiations for 6 days (18-26 November). A communiqué was issued on November 26 by the N Kivu Governor on behalf of them all (See Le Potentiel, Sat 27 Nov) to the effect that most edicts to retain provincial income will stay but those relating to Forests, Mines and two others will be cancelled, because the funds have already been included in the 2011 budget.

Key Activities and Actions by IR

IR 1 – CITIZEN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY

I. Programmatic Accomplishments

The main accomplishments for this month were 1) Continuation of Civic Education work (IR1.1.2-3) 2) Circle of Women Radio Broadcast Project; 3) Third Good Governance Website Planning Workshop (IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3); and 4) Grants Management Technical Assistance to CSO partners. Also during this reporting period, PBG staff began its grant management training program with civil society organizations, the aim of which was to ensure that potential grantees fully understand the grants process from the proposal stage to the award stage. Follow-up financial and grants management training with grant recipients will be held once grants decisions are made.

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Activity IR1.1.2 (SA3) – Civic Education

On the 8th, 10th and 12th of November, 90 people participated in a series of civic education events beginning with a large event on the first day and two focus groups on the 2nd and 3rd days. A total of 56 people participated in the first event with 18 and 16 respectively participating in the two focus groups. Women comprised of 80% of all participants. The high participation of women was mainly attributable to the topic chosen for this series of workshops, sex discrimination in public management and the implementation of decentralization. One of the principal aims of the event was to assist the participants improve their understanding of public management, decentralized governance and elections and the potential role that women can play in all of the above. Participants were also encouraged to outline strategies for improving the representation of women in public management and governance. Some of the strategies proposed by the participants include: 1)Strengthening the capacities of women in various areas related to political participation and citizenship, the electoral process, gender and political participation and 2)Organizing public meetings to explain that men and women are partners and equals and that they must work together for sustainable development.

In South Kivu during November a total of 223 (160 women and 63 men) people participated in civic education events in 9 different locations focusing on different aspects of decentralization such as the role of civil society, gender and the participation of women in local governance, developing health systems at the local level and resource mobilization at ETD level. Women who were majority participants in these events were especially appreciative of receiving this information and after realizing that they are equally entitled to participate in local governance made a commitment to becoming more active.

In Maniema, 6 civic education activities were held 2 each in 1 of 3 locations. One of the two activities focused on the representation of women at the local government level and the other focused on the importance of agriculture in the development of local government. The participation of a local theater troop trained by PBG partner Search for Common Ground was instrumental in mobilizing the maximum participation of ordinary citizens. In particular, a total of 756 people, including 558 women attended in the 6 events. Radio broadcasts supported the events.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 (SA3) – Circle of Women

During this reporting period, the remaining two provinces, Katanga (2nd-4th) and South Kivu (11th-13th) organized the planning session and kickoff of the “Circle of Women” project.

In the case of South Kivu, the name of the project has been changed as part of the planning process to “Strong Women” and in Katanga to “Women Moving Forward” which is an excellent means of ensuring complete local ownership of the project.

In both planning meetings the objective was to identify the greatest barriers to women ascending into leadership roles and associated challenges; to develop strategies for overcoming those barriers; to identify topics to be address through regular radio broadcasts by the women assembled at the planning meeting; and to develop a broadcast schedule together with media representatives who were present at the meeting. The choice of the participants in this project for all provinces was based on a criteria of characteristics for participants that included 1) a demonstrated commitment to public service, 2) expert in the field to be discussed, 3) dynamic and 4) poised enough to present well on a radio broadcast.

Participants were both articulate and emotional about the barriers they face in getting both men and the public at large to regard them as credible potential leaders. As one woman put it, “the weight of patriarchy

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and ignorance [undermines] democracy and [the] human rights of women.” In South Kivu where only 8.3% of deputies are women and where only 1 woman occupies a cabinet post, participants surmised that only election laws that are more favorable to and accommodating of women candidates would help to address the imbalances of gender in political life and leadership. Topics chosen to address in depth in the radio broadcasts are 1) reproductive health; 2) Traditional Practices and Beliefs; 3) Decentralization; 4) Gender; and 5) Women and Elections.

In Katanga, where 13 of the 102 provincial deputies are women and 1 of the cabinet ministers, participants cited among others, the active exclusion of women intellectuals from politics, the self-defeating behavior of women themselves, the poverty of women and the inability of married women to act independently of their husbands as major barriers to women achieving leadership status and/or position. Topics chosen each of which will be approached from a female perspective, for their series of radio broadcasts are: 1) Gender in DRC; 2) Electoral Process; 3) Culture; 4) Development; 5) Health; and 6) Leadership.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3 – CSO Good Governance Website Development

On November 15th and 16th, a third meeting of civil society organizations based in Kinshasa was held which focused more intensively on data collection related to the good governance website. At the meeting, a website name was chosen, namely, www.gouvernancepourtous.cd . Additionally, the following items were identified as priority data to be collected during the first phase of the implementation of the site.

 Pending laws and their status in the deliberative process

 Budget and its status in development and execution

 Performance ranking criteria for legislatures and ministries including:

o Level of productivity of legislatures measured by number of laws introduced and passed

o Level of engagement with the public by both legislatures and ministries measured by the frequency with which public meetings, press conferences, etc. are held

o Level of oversight activity by legislatures measured by number of oversight initiatives taken

o Number of projects fully executed by ministries

 Legal Framework analyses to ascertain the gaps in the legal framework for issues addressed by PBG.

The opinion of participants was sought on how to develop systems of data collection for these various categories of information.

PBG is currently recruiting a coordinator for the site. At this latest meeting, a leading candidate emerged – a female lawyer who is currently coordinating a site for a prominent anti-corruption NGO. A web designer has been identified and should be fully engaged during the next reporting period.

Activity IR1.1.5 (SA2) – Technical Assistance to PBG CSO Partners

During this period, the PBG team in Maniema organized technical assistance for civil society partners on strategic planning for advocacy. In particular, TA was provider to two organizations – Association Pour La Promotion Et Defense Des Enfants Et Des Femmes (APRODEF) and Action Des Volontaires Pour La Promotion De l’Environment Au Maniema (AVEMA). The former received technical advice and assistance on

PBG November 2010 Monthly Report – Page 6

their advocacy work related to petty corruption and the latter was supported in developing a strategic plan on advocacy which seeks to improve access to agricultural land by peasant farmers.

II. Activities Planned for December 2010

Activities planned for the next reporting period include:

Activities planned for the next reporting period include:

 Work with web designer on the website and the collection of the initial material to be posted onto the website

 Grant training for civil society organizations

 Final series of civic education activities before shifting responsibility for this to civil society partners

 “Circle of Women” broadcasts

 Continuation of Technical Assistance

Opportunities

 Current events continued to present many advocacy opportunities for civil society organizations. This raises the need for expanded advice and/or alert services that could continuously identify advocacy possibilities for civil society.

 The interest that Kiewit-based civil society organizations expressed in organizing dialogues between the population and the authorities present an opportunity for PBG to lend support to these efforts, either as part of its grant programs or as part of a special project.

 Additionally, the ascendency of a FEC representative to the leadership of Gécamines presents an opportunity to PBG perhaps to organize a seminar that brings together civil society and the private sector to explore their common interests and what can be pursued together as part of efforts to achieve sustainable development in the DRC.

Constraints

 There were no significant observed constraints during this reporting period.

IR 2 – SELECTED PARLIAMENTS ARE MORE DEMOCRATIC AND EFFECTIVE

I. Meetings with other donors and partners

 Mr. Kodjo NDUKUMA (Deputy Chief of Staff of the Speaker of the National Assembly), 11/23/2010. This meeting aimed carrying out the practical modalities of the implementation of the request of support formulated to PBG by the Speaker of the National Assembly. The Presidents of PAJ, ECOFIN and Defense and Security Commissions shall receive mail from the Speaker of the Assembly charging them to collaborate with PBG on supporting the laws: Electoral, Nomenclature of takings, TVA and the Status of the Police. The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly was appointed as the focal point of DAI within the Assembly. Also, a member of the office of the Speaker was appointed as a contact person. This stage should clarify relationships between PBG and the National Assembly.

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 Honorable KUTEKALA (President of the National Assembly ECOFIN Commission), 11/3/2010: exchanges in anticipation of DAI/PBG support to the Commission and particularly, the technical assistance relating to the draft law on VAT.  Mr. BYAZA (Secretary General of the Senate), 11/3/2010, telephone conversation concerning the computer master plan of the Senate.  Honorable KAMBALA (President of the PAJ Commission of the National Assembly), 11/3/2010: telephone conversation concerning technical assistance in favor of the Commission.  Mr. Henri DJONGA (Manager of IT department in the Senate), 11/16/2010: exchanges and visit of premises, together with Mr. Ray SHORT, international consultant, and Mr. ALAIN KILAPI, DAI IT Manager.  Honorable KAMBALA, (President of the Commission PAJ of the National Assembly), 11/19/2010, meeting concerning technical assistance in favor of the Commission.  Mr. NYAMUGABO MPOVA (General Manager of the Official Journal): visit as part of the mission of Mr.RAY SHORT, international consultant.

II. IR 2 Programmatic Accomplishments

Kinshasa:

2.1.1 – 7 Obtaining a formal request from the National Assembly regarding PBG’s support: On November 11th, 2010, the National Assembly Speaker sent a letter to PBG, by which he urgently solicited support from PBG. This support should commence with providing technical and logistical assistance in favor of the PAJ, ECOFIN and Defense and Security commissions concerning four laws (Law on the CENI, Reform of the Police, VAT, Nomenclature of receipts and their distribution)

2.5.2-2: SA 2: Conduct an assessment of technical, material and IT needs for the National Assembly and the Senate with support provided by an international consultant: Led by international consultant, Ray Short, a PBG team conducted an assessment of technical, material & IT needs and their management for the National Parliament (National Assembly / Senate). This assessment consisted of holding series of working meetings with the General Secretaries General of the Parliament and their services, and meeting with all the services relating to Parliamentary internal and external communications as well as services concerned with legislative production (Sessions, Design Offices, Personnel of Commissions ...). The objective of this initiative is to establish, on the basis of existing audits and field visits, the list of the equipment and trainings aiming at improving the constitutional missions of the Parliament, as well as improving the legislative service.

Maniema:

2.2.1.14 Training on filing techniques: From the 10th till the 12th of November, 2010, a workshop was conducted on the improvement of filing technique for the benefit of the personnel of the Assembly of Maniema. This training, requested by the PA as part of their needs assessment, provided for reinforcing the ownership of techniques acquired in year 1.

South Kivu

2.1.1 - 6: Obtain a formal proposal from the Assembly for PBG support: Within the framework of this activity, the PBG Legislative Advisor conducted a 2-day visit to South Kivu with the objective of working in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Assembly to draft a calendar of activities to be implemented for the next three months. It was, first of all, a matter of awareness-building on this type of collaboration. This initiative was accepted with enthusiasm by the office which was committed to finalize the request with the PBG South Kivu governance advisor.

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2.3.5 - 2: Support to one sub-commission in each of the provinces: The Legislative advisor, the Governance Advisor and the PBG Health Expert met the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, and a member of the Social affairs Commission in charge of Health. The objective of this meeting was to work with the commission to define the nature of assistance that the PBG Health expert could provide. It was agreed that the sector specialist shall work in close collaboration with the commission providing analyses, and assisting in the identification of official actors or community members who could help the PA to reinforce the legislative framework of the sector. The Commission has expressed the need for specific support in drafting two important decrees: one on the regulation of the mutual insurance health companies, the other one on the organization of non-governmental health actors (South-Kivu has got one Decree organizing the functioning of NGOs on the provincial territory. Here, it will be a matter of adapting this Decree to the needs of the health sector).

Bandundu

2.2.1.14 Training on filing techniques: Reinforcement of filing techniques acquired under BRDG. This workshop facilitated the organization of a working group on the development of a filing plan for the PA. This decision shows that the Assembly has understood the issue and that they should continue, in the future, by themselves the efforts made by PBG.

2.1.2 - 5: Technical and material assistance in IT: In early December, the consultant Ray SHORT, accompanied by the PBG IT manager Alain KILAPI, conducted an assessment mission for the IT system of the Bandundu PA. This assessment is aimed at establishing the list of the computer equipment and training for the use and maintenance of this equipment necessary to foster the improvement of the constitutional functions of the PA.

Katanga

2.1.2 - 5: Technical and material assistance in IT: The consultant Ray SHORT, accompanied by the local IT manager Alain KILAPI, conducted an evaluation mission of the IT system of the provincial assembly of Katanga from the 13th till the 17th of November, 2011.

III. Activities Planned for December 2010

Katanga:

2.1.14-1. Workshop on the filing techniques

Kinshasa

2.2. 1 – 3 Information session on the VAT – ECOFIN Committee

IR 3 – LAWS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR DECENTRALIZATION ESTABLISHED & IMPLEMENTED

I. Meetings held with other donors

 World Bank

On November 22, the IR3 team leader went with Fathi Kraiem and Adele Mudipanu to meet Steve Dimitriyev, the Senior Private Sector Development Specialist to discuss the role of the private sector in the provision of public services.

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Regarding the Bank’s work with the private sector, Mr. Dimitriyev said that their present project was focused on making the state-owned corporations more efficient. The second phase will be to invite private sector involvement in certain corporations where conditions may be right for privatization in the long run, but the first step would be to bring in private sector management. The target companies for further support are SNEL (Electricity), Regideso (Water) and SNCC (Railroads).

The Bank’s ongoing project (The Private Sector Development and Competitiveness Project) currently stands at $180 million, with the prospect of adding a further $30 million. An estimated $105 has been disbursed to date. In addition to direct support to the companies, the WB is also looking at legislation and the business climate. They are also looking at the problems of debt restructuring, social services (private sector engagement with the provision of social services for employees – for example Gecamines owns and operates 93 schools and 4 hospitals), debts to personnel (e.g. unpaid/late salaries, pensions and severance packages etc).

As reported in our September report, they are very interested in PPPs and sponsored a workshop on the subject in February this year.

On November 27, the IR3 team leader met with Tony Verheijen, Ladipo Adamolekum and two consultants from the World Bank.

They reported the determination of Provincial Governors and Assemblies to control funds collected in the provinces, in accordance with the Constitution. Provincial Assemblies have issued edicts concerning the retention of funds which has angered central government – see above, under Political Events – to the extent that some central government Ministers tried to have the edicts annulled. A compromise was reached – as stated in the report above. Governors, however, have started flexing their muscles and are determined to hold a conference of Governors as soon as possible. Dr Adamolekum has been working with the Governors to inform them of the nature of decentralization, and help them become more effective champions of it.

Delays in Legislation

Due to the power struggle between the Prime Minister and some other senior figures (Inc. Ministers of Decentralisation, Planning and Environment) the Council of Ministers has only met twice since May, and there is a huge backlog of government business.

This affects, for example the Nomenclatures des Recettes (delayed since August) Caisse de Perequation, and many others. Meanwhile sector Ministries are making progress. Health has stated to institute decentralization, and has been working with Provincial Ministries to put in place new systems. Education is doing something similar, but the enabling legislation is stuck in Parliament. Katanga, meanwhile, has been supporting its sectoral ministries to become independent.

COREF and CTAD have agreed to implement a new Public Finance management Framework. The Bank has found COREF an effective partner, and recommends that we engage more with them. COREF does not wait for the laws to be introduced, and instead introduces innovations within the existing system.

In response to demand from the four provinces of PRCG, especially in relationship to the new systems of financial management and procurement control, it is likely to have its funding increased from $40 million to $80 million. PBG November 2010 Monthly Report – Page 10

For almost a year the Bank was working on a strategic retreat for the Council of Ministers to discuss decentralization, but the government has told them that it doesn’t believe that it will be possible. A less ambitious one is therefore planned to include the Ministers of Finance, Planning, Budget and possibly Decentralization and their senior staff. Maybe the ministries of Education and Health might be included.

The Bank has been holding similar meetings in the provinces, with success.

 DFID

On Friday November 19, the IR3 team leader and Fathi Kraiem met Felicity Townsend, the education specialist at DFID, and donor coordinator in the education sector. Our specific focus was the role of the private sector in education.

The education sector is structured in a remarkable way. A substantial portion of the schools are managed by religious organizations, and even though the state nominally pays the salaries for them and the state schools they are very low and irregular. In response to this, all schools charge fees. What is more some of these fees are taken by higher levels of the bureaucracy, such as schools inspectors. The President recently announced the abolition of primary school fees, but it is not at all clear how this will be implemented, because the current budget is insufficient to pay for the registered teachers.

In addition to teachers on the state payroll there are also many who are not. This is partly due to head teachers preferring to circumvent the very slow appointment process, partly to give jobs to the friends and relatives, and partly to expand the number of teachers

II. Meetings held with counterpart organizations

Unité d’Appui à la Décentralisation Sectorielle (UADS) IR3 worked closely with UADS in drafting the terms of reference for the study on the role of the private sector in service provision. They also prepared a shortlist of consultants from which PBG could select ones which best met the needs of the project.

III. Programmatic Accomplishments under IR3

Feasibility Studies of projects under the Action Plans, Bandundu. After careful evaluation, it has been decided to recommend the development in stages of one project in each ETD. The table on the next page summarizes the nature of the projects and provides the rationale for selection.

Bandundu Province: Potential project for grants

ETD Project description Cost Evaluation Recommendation Mayoyo Rehabilitation of $25,268 This project has highly Implement in Institute Busembo, specific benefits for the stages, starting repairs to walling, beneficiaries, especially with toilet construction of latrines, in terms of public health, accommodation, supply of water and and does not pose supply of water and electricity management problems. It electrification – PBG November 2010 Monthly Report – Page 11

can be implemented in about $4,500 stages. Construction of $45,928 This is an ambitious technical training project. Without a school, Ndambu commitment regarding staffing, a management structure and financial management plan it is not clear whether the school would be viable. Development of area for $7,307 The project lack growing of onions by specificity regarding the community members management, income and expenditure plan, selection of beneficiaries etc Lukolela Rehabilitation of college $36,367 This is an existing school Implementation in for agriculture, with 430 pupils. The stages, starting veterinary science and benefits are highly with latrine blocks, nutrition, including specific, especially in about $2,000. rehabilitating 10 terms of public health. It classrooms, 2 offices, can be implemented in and construction of stages sanitary facilities Piggery $35,124 Lack of clear definition of responsibility for management, allocation of profits, selection of beneficiaries etc Fish farming $24,410 Lack of clear definition of responsibility for management, allocation of profits, selection of beneficiaries etc Bukanga Construction and $40,514 This is a clearly defined Implementation in Lonzo rehabilitation of 4 project with clear stages, starting classrooms, construct 2 outcomes. The benefits with latrine blocks, classrooms and offices, are highly specific, about $2,000, and and construct new toilet especially in terms of an administrative facilities Muwakasa public health. It can be block $5,500 Primary School implemented in stages Construction and $14,973 Lack of clear definition of stocking of responsibility for pharmaceutical depot management, allocation of profits, selection of beneficiaries etc Rehabilitation of seed $26,,524 Lack of clear definition of center responsibility for management, allocation PBG November 2010 Monthly Report – Page 12

of profits, selection of beneficiaries etc

3.2.9 1 and 3.2.7.1 Provincial Training on Financial Management and Monitoring for ETDs in Katanga

Trainer: Mbake Murhamya

This workshop having been delivered in Bandundu previously is now to be extended to the remaining three provinces/nine ETDs.

It started in Katanga at Likes, from 23 – 26 November. The pattern of response from the participants was similar to that given in the Bandundu ETDs – one of welcoming the theme of the workshop and the inclusivity of the attendance. In the case of Likes, there was high level representation, with four deputy Mayors and four Bourgmestres in attendance. The representatives of civil society especially welcomed their inclusion, and it was agreed that this might start an era of better collaboration between civil society and the authorities.

As before, the financial management training focused on three areas:

 transparent and fair procurement procedures,

 maximizing the ETD’s own revenues (income from taxes and charges etc)

 efficient supervision and reporting – see below.

The trainer used participatory analysis of current practices as a starting point for the identification of areas where improvements can be achieved.

As was the case with the previous workshops the training was received with great interest.

Overall the messages from this training were clear. The standard of financial management in the ETDs are managed leaves much to be desired. The training helped all the participants to see the weakness of current systems, and by demonstrating simple procedures the trainer helped the participants to see the value of good management and efficient systems in limiting the scope for corrupt practices and theft.

Survey Feedback and Action Planning workshops: 3.2.1.3, and 3.2.12.3

The first of these workshops to be conducted in South Kivu took place at Ngweshe from November 22 – 25. The workshop was well attended.

Richard Martin attended part of the second such workshop – in the commune of Kadutu, held from 29 November – 2 December. From observation it was clear that the participants, from both the official and the civil society sides, have concerns regarding the inability of the authorities to maintain the infrastructure. But there is also concern regarding the lack of collaboration between the citizens of the commune in fighting crime, anti-social behavior and other problems.

The consultant will submit a report in December on all the workshops conducted in South Kivu, at which stage we shall be able to provide a fuller picture of the recommendations.

The role of the private sector in the provision of public services, 3.2.10.1

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This study started on November 19. The team is led by Fathi Kraiem, a highly experienced RTI international consultant (who was COP for USAID’s Private Participation in Environmental Services Program in Tunisia), Augustin Lumba a specialist in agriculture and legal matters, and Adele Mudipanu, a specialist in health matters and economics. On the afternoon of the 19th the first two consultants met UADS for an initial briefing. They left for Bukavu on November 25, and then went to Lubumbashi on December 1. The study will be completed in January.

Association des Villes et Communes de la Republique Democratique du Congo: General Assembly Bandundu 21 November

PBG supported participants to this event from Bukavu, Kindu, Lubumbashi, Likes and Kolwezi in terms of paying traveling costs. The event was organized jointly by the Belgian counterpart organization and the CTAD.

The objectives of the Association, as adopted at the close of the meeting, are:

1. To involve its members in defense of the case for, and implementation of decentralization.

2. Strengthen the capacity of its members

3. Support the interests of its members, especially in terms of economic and social development

4. Promote the integration of ETDs in international cooperation and decentralized collaboration

5. Promote the cooperation and exchange of experiences between the Villes and Communes of the DRC in terms of local development.

All ETDs in existence at the time of the assembly and those created in future are eligible for membership. The joining fee is $250 for Villes and $150 for Communes. Annual subscription fees will be established in due course.

The final appointment of an administrative office and adoption of constitution will be completed at another General Assembly to be held within four months.

The Assembly adopted several resolutions including:

1. The DRC National and Provincial Governments should support the Association.

2. The capacity of the ETDs should be strengthened

3. Central Government must make and track retrocession payments.

4. The accounting systems of ETDs should be strengthened to manage receipt of their share of national revenue.

5. Acceleration of decentralization legislation, especially fiscal legislation.

6. Treatment of the Association as a partner in the field of implementation of decentralization and local development.

Preparations for future activities

Creating a UNDP website 3.1.2.3 PBG November 2010 Monthly Report – Page 14

It had been agreed that PBG would support the UNDP initiative to create a web-site for CTAD. However, no progress had been made by UNDP in 2009, so it was agreed that PBG will take the initiative. This has the advantage of allowing us more freedom, especially in terms of coordinating with the work of IR1, which is also supporting the creation of a web-site serving the needs of civil society. While the IR1 site will be designed to be interactive and provide easy to access information on the topic, the CTAD site will be created as a resource for documents on the subject of decentralization, including draft and promulgated legislation, training materials etc. The two web sites will thus complement each other, and will be linked to make the most effective use of the material.

Development of Models for community-based partnerships in project implementation – 3.2.10.5

Work has started on drafting a Scope of Work for this activity which is to be focused on the work started under BRDG with communities in Maniema Province

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PBG November 2010 Monthly Report – Page 16

Programme de Bonne Gouvernance ENGAGE Task Order DFD-I-01-08-00071-00

Monthly Report: December 2010 Activities

PBG Background

DAI began mobilizing the Programme de Bonne Gouvernance (PBG) on October 1, 2009. With a ceiling price of $36,251,768 for a five-year (three years with two option years) program. The program purpose is to improve management capacity and accountability of select legislatures and local governments. The program focuses on three categories of partners: 1) Parliamentary institutions at the central and provincial level 2) Public institutions having a stake and role in decentralization; and 3) Civil society and community-based organizations

PBG’s three Intermediate Results (IRs) are: IR 1 Citizens demand accountability IR 2 Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective IR 3 Laws, policies and procedures for decentralization established and implemented

Overall Political Context

Overview of the situation:

 Event having an impact on IR 1 • In Bandundu, a “half-reshuffle” of the Executive occurred when two ministers, the minister of public works and the minister of mines were relieved of their duties. However, names of their replacements were not announced. It is not clear why these actions were taken. Shortly before that on the 9th of December, the International Day on Anti-corruption, civil society in Bandundu released a declaration calling for all public service personnel to participate in the fight against corruption in all its forms. The document was signed by 20 members of civil society. This underscores the need to provide support to civil society to move beyond mere declarations on special days and in response to government actions to assuming a more strategic role in the fight against corruption and on other issues. PBG hopes to launch a program in 2011 through a call for proposals that will encourage civil society to develop a data-base of information on corruption based on information provided by members of the public.

• In Katanga, in the Luena Village the Haut Lomami region of Katanga, the population of the area has been held hostage by clashes between the army and the combination of Mai-Mai and a religious sect that apparently have killed members of the public to increase their powers. The clashes have hampered activities normally associated with daily life such as school going and market trading. It is likely that civil society organizations focusing on conflict resolution have minimal means of intervening in this situation. Once again, it is notable that there is limited reporting on this incident which also undermines the ability of civil society to appeal to national and international organizations for assistance.

• Also in Katanga, the loss in the FIFA World Club Championships by the Lubumbashi-based football club TP Mazembe led to attacks on Chinese businesses in Lubumbashi when Japanese officials who

PBG December 2010 Monthly Report – Page 1

refereed the match were mistaken by Mazembe supporters for being Chinese. This unfortunate behavior which was encouraged in part by the Katanga governor’s criticisms of the refereeing during the match, marred the club’s historic achievement as the only African club ever to advance that far in a FIFA world tournament. This is not the first time that Lubumbashi citizens have committed xenophobic attacks against Chinese businesses. This is another of the many voids into which civil society can step by taking the lead in addressing xenophobia and ethnic related conflict in Katanga.

• In Maniema, this month, the collapse of an illegal tin mine in Maniema led to the deaths of at least 20 illegal miners. Authorities claimed that they did not have the means to publicize widely the fact that the President had imposed a moratorium on mining in Maniema in addition to North and South Kivu. The opportunity thus for civil society involvement is presented on two levels – to educate the public on safety issues related to illegal mining and to advocate for a more balanced approach on the part of the government which takes into account the need for artisan miners to continue to make a living and the need to minimize unsafe and conflict ridden mining.

• The PBG staff in Bukavu have perceptively noted a welcome change in the discourse of some provincial deputies when they cited examples of speeches given that emphasized the distinction between the executive’s role as project implementers and their role as representatives of the people who are tasked with encouraging the government to be as responsive to the needs of the people as possible. This may suggest a greater openness on the part of the parliament to enlist the help of civil society in playing their roles more effectively.

• The PBG staff also reports on the negative social and economic effects of the Presidential decree suspending mining activity in the three eastern provinces. In particular, they have noted an increase in crime and idleness, a decline in student enrollment in schools and a loss of purchase power among citizens. At the same time that a drop in per capita income has occurred during this period, a labor strike during this period that affected the shipping industry caused the prices of foodstuffs to increase by 25%, thereby exacerbating the economic crisis for all those affected by the cessation of mining activity. Once again, civil society in South Kivu are encouraged to pursue advocacy related to the mining ban along the lines.

 Events having an impact on IR2

National level

• The return of the newly-nominated Cardinal Mosengo to Kinshasa. During a mass celebrated on December 5th at the “Stade des Martyrs, in the presence of President Kabila the Cardinal stated that “ a government that does not pay attention to the needs of its people is a government without reason”.

• On December 8th, at the Palais de Peuple, President Kabila addressed Parliament with his State of the Union speech. According to many analysts the speech seemed to be deceptive in terms of the number of accomplishments attributed to his presidency. Seeming to recognize this weakness the President quoted biblical verse pronouncing a phrase which has now become famous “if you don’t believe what I say, believe at least in my deeds”.

• On the same day, the longtime opposition leader, Etienne Tshikedi Wa Mulumba returned to the DRC after a 3 year absence due to medical reasons. This return, cheered by a crowd of thousands lining the streets from the airport to his Limite residence providing a spurt of energy to the Congolese

PBG December 2010 Monthly Report – Page 2

opposition, weakened and divided since Jean-Piere Bemba’s arrest by the International Criminal court.

• Vitale Kamere, former National Assembly speaker, announced his resignation from PPRD (principal party of the majority) and the lower house of parliament on December 14th before confirming that he had joined a new political party named Union pour la Partie Congolaise (UNC) as its leader. • On December 15, 2010 The National Assembly and the Senate closed out their ordinary session for September. On the same day, the two houses each convoked an extraordinary called on to tend to important pending legislation l • The second half of December was highlighted by a declaration made by the Parliamentary opposition made on December 30th denouncing recurrent violations of the Constitution by President Kabila, blockage of the designation of members of Commission Electorale Nationale Independante and the intention of the presidential majority to proceed on the revision of the constitution aimed at the suppression of the presidential runoff. Provincial Level

South Kivu:

• The Governor traveled to Tanzania for a three party meeting concerning the DRC, Tanzania and UNHCR in order to discuss awareness-building of Congolese refugees to convince them to return to their home villages in order to participate in elections. There are approximately 60,000 Congolese refugees in Tanzania.

• The official presentation of Vitale Kamhere’s party, the UNC who was elected in Bukavu was followd with great attention;

• The members of the South Kivu Provincial Assembly are improving their ability to meet needs in relation with their constituents. Some examples are Representatives Mukavaganyi J.P. andMme Mwendanga Beatrice who addressed their grassroots, insisting that their role is not to build infrastructure because they don’t have the means and this is not among their perogatives. They emphasized instead that they will do their best to lobby for the inscription of their constituents complaints in budgetary discussions and to expose their problems during the next parliamentary session.

• In general, the security situation is relatively calm. However, fighting is reported here and there and several hundred members of the population have been displaced, a fact that has been acknowledged by the Governor during a radio broadcast at Maendeleo radio on December 12th when he said “skirmishes left and right in this province that is not yet post-conflict”. In Shabunda there are reports of a national army faction which is in the process of the uninhibited exploitation of a mining site. In Bukavu, a youth died from a gunshot wound in Nyarwizimya-Kadutu when he attempted to come to the aid of a family under attack. There were also two others injured by gunshot wounds in a house in Muhungu-Ibanda.

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Bandundu:

• Swearing in of new magistrates in Bandundu: eight new magistrates including one woman were sworn in on Saturday December 11th before the Bandundu Court of Appeals in the presence of the governor and included other provincial authorities and legal defenders.

• Technical reshuffling of the Bandundu provincial government: this included the dismissal of two ministers; the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Heritier Mambi as well as the Minister of Mining, Roger Coco Pembe. The population as a whole appeared to take little interest in this minor move.

Maniema

• The revision of voter registration lists continues normally in spite of numerous problems reported here and there notably due to breakdowns. These breakdowns are for the most part related to the dilapidated state of equipment from kits previously used in 2005 for the first election and deployed to Togo for the same purpose. In spite of these technical problems, in Kindu, the IEC registered on December 12th 40,196 voters out of an anticipated 80,000, in Kailo, 12,000 were registered, 24,300 in Kalima and 18,011 in Punia. It should be noted that Kasongo, which includes half of the registration centers has registered only 12,979 voters because the agents’ recruitment procedure was limited to promoting locals who often did not have the required qualifications. The same was true for the bureau of Kabambare, based in WAZAMA.

• The Provincial Minister of Finance and Planning was suspended for 12 days for having traveled to Kinshasa without travel orders.

• Although collaboration between PBG and the National Assembly has noticeably improved through the solicitation of formal support, PBG must be careful regarding the general evolution of Congolese politics which does not seem to be in line with the strengthening of the democratic process. Key Activities and Actions by IR

IR 1 – CITIZEN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY

I. IR1 Programmatic Accomplishments

The main accomplishments for this month were 1) Final month of PBG direct coordination of civic education work in 2 of the 4 provinces (IR1.1.2-3). 2) Circle of Women Radio Broadcasts Begin; 3) Good Governance Website initiated (IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3); and 4) Grants Management Training Workshops for CSO partners held in three provinces.

Activity IR1.1.2 (SA3) – Civic Education

In South Kivu, 7 final civic education programs were held that reached a total of 189 men and 84 women. The topics addressed included 1) the culture of citizen monitoring, 2) the advantages of decentralization, 3) gender, elections and the representation of women at local level, 4) the development of health at local government level, and 5) the role of civil society in decentralization.

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Questions raised by participants in some of the workshops explored the impact of decentralization in areas as broad-ranging as waste treatment and management, encouraging recycling, protection of Congo’s rain forest and health management in the province. The South Kivu staff observed that it appears that the officials who participated in this last round of PBG-organized civic education programming are starting to appreciate the benefits of face-to-face interaction with the public.

In Katanga, three different civic education programs were held during the first 3 days of the month in public markets. All three focused on the mobilization of resources and reached 171 men and 111 women. PBG staff were encouraged by the active participation of the full range of local authorities, including the burgermeisters, chefs de quartier, the police, administrators of public markets and even the ANR. In a place like Katanga noted for ethnic conflict, it was encouraging that participants, in the context of a discussion on resource mobilization appeared to appreciate and accept the advantages of not chasing away non-Katanga natives especially since many contribute actively to the economic development of the province.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 (SA3) – Circle of Women

It is too early to gauge the reaction of radio audiences to the initial broadcasts of women leaders discussing pressing issues which have already been organized in 2 of the 4 provinces, Bandundu and South Kivu. However, it is clear that the women who are participating see this as a much needed opportunity to enable the public to listen to feminine perspectives on a range of topics. So far, no systems have been established to test public reaction. It is hoped that such systems will be put in place in future broadcasts.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3 – CSO Good Governance Website Development

The new PBG initiated website which facilitates the monitoring of government and parliamentary actions, www.gouvernancepourtous.cd has been initiated and is being uploaded with information before it can be publicly launched. PBG is still recruiting a coordinator for the site.

Just before the closure of the PBG office for the holidays, the web designer presented various alternatives for the look and feel of the site to PBG staff and CSO partners. Decisions on look and feel and logo were taken at that time and the information uploading process began immediately thereafter. Once the coordinator is appointed, he or she will take over the coordination of information collecting and posting.

Activity IR1.1.5 (SA2) – Grants Management Training PBG CSO Partners

Grant proposal and management training for civil society organizations was held in 3 of the 4 provinces, South Kivu, Bandundu and Maniema. According to staff in the provinces, the partner organizations with which PBG has worked over the last year were still threatening in some instances to stop working with PBG because of the lack of funding, although as noted previously, many organizations did recognize the benefits that they received from knowledge transfer alone. However, to the extent that there was lingering discontent over lack of funding, it seems that the grants training has led to renewed commitment among PBG partners to working with PBG and new appreciation for the need to lay a foundation before any grants are made.

In addition to laying out the proposal process, the grants management procedures and USAID rules on grants, the PBG grants manager and PBG provincial staff trainers emphasized the principles to be observed and encouraged throughout the grants process, including networking, sustainability and the need to be as

PBG December 2010 Monthly Report – Page 5

responsive as possible for the call for proposal which was shared with the potential grantees at the workshop. In some of the provinces, networks around particular issues are already beginning to form in view of the fact that the call for proposal is designed to encourage networking among CSO organizations. Topics around which CSO networks are hoping to coalesce for responding to the call for proposal include 1) civic education, 2) waste management, 3) budget processes, 4) women advocacy and 5) improving health care.

Trainers also shared the basic elements of a proposal in order to ensure that all proposals submitted would be as competitive as possible. Proposals are due on 31 March.

II. Activities Planned for January 2011

Activities planned for the next reporting period include:

• Additional “Circle of Women” broadcasts

• Continuation of Technical Assistance, especially for grants preparation

• Final grants management training

• Continuation of the website development

• Initiation of discussions with anti-corruption activists in Nigeria to encourage an exchange

• Initiative of consultancies on CRD development and the development of an agenda for CRDs

• Develop call for proposal on anti-corruption

Opportunities

• The presentation by the web designer helped PBG staff to begin to fully appreciate the power of a web-based monitoring tool for monitoring legislative activity. Staff, for instance, were especially impressed with a feature that allows messages to be sent between website coordinators and website users and among website users by Internet-to-SMS which means that people without Internet can be reached.

• The presentation showed that the site has great potential to promote behavioral change among government and legislative actors in a non-confrontational and constructive way.

IR 2 – SELECTED PARLIAMENTS ARE MORE DEMOCRATIC AND EFFECTIVE

I. Meetings with other donors and partners Meeting with Honorable KUTEKALA, President of the National Assembly ECOFIN (December 7th, 2010). This meeting was the preparation of the information session on TAV intended for the members of the National Assembly ECOFIN commission.

Meeting with Professor MABIALA, tax specialist (December 8th, 2010). The meeting was aimed at preparing the information session of TAV intended for the national members of parliament members of the ECOFIN commission.

Meeting with Mr. Jean MUKWALA, oe of the representatives for the Congolese Network of Parliament Personnel (RCPP). This meeting pas involved with the preparation of a workshop which DAI/PBG plans to

PBG December 2010 Monthly Report – Page 6

organize in a partnership with Westminster Foundation for Democracy which benefits the RCPP planned for January.

II. IR 2 Programmatic Accomplishments

Kinshasa:

2.2.1-5: Technical Assistance for the signing of laws 2.1.9-2: Technical Assistance at Key Commissions

On December 13th, 2010, DAI/PBG organized an information session on TAV (Tax on Added Value) intended for the national parliamentarians, members of the commission ECOFIN session. 87 people attended this forum including 53 members of parliament and 23 administrative agents. Facilitated by professor Mabiala, this session allowed the beneficiaries to be informed about this mechanism until then unknown in the DRC, based on a comparative study of legislation and practices in force in some countries which have experienced TVA, such as France. From the last information collected from the ECOFIN commission, the later was envisaging ratification, by the plenary, of the ordinance-law on TVA that the President of the Republic had taken during the parliamentary vacation following the ordinary session of March, 2010 (during which the Senate had passed a draft law on the same material).

South Kivu

2.3.5-2: Technical Assistance to the commission of Health sector

Several meetings took place between the staff of DAI Bukavu and the representatives of the commission of Health sector aiming at specific support also involving the Provincial Ministry of Health. It is, for the local team of PBG, a matter of organizing a three-day meeting including all stakeholders with local health experts, in the DAI office for a deep study of the Draft Decree on the establishment of Mutual Health Companies in the Province of South Kivu. Our contribution will especially consist in technical as well as material support from the Health Sector Specialist. These activities will be carried out in January.

Bandundu

2.1.2 - 5: Assessments of the IT system of the Assembly

Evaluation of the IT system of the Bandundu provincial Assembly: Misters Ray Short and Alain Kilapi, respectively DAI Consultant resident in the USA and IT Specialist based in Kinshasa, arrived in Bandundu- ville on Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 to assess the potentialities of the Provincial Assembly in the matter of electro-governance (E-Governance). Upon their arrival, the mission presented courtesies to the Vice-speaker and to the Reporter of the Bandundu Assembly. Both experts worked in turn with the political cabinet, the Administration Director, the Quester’s division, the division of archives, the division of the Clerk’s office, with the research office, logistics and computer office. The mission noticed poor allocation of computer property and poor use of the equipment which has mostly been locked up in their boxes. Some of them are not even visible. This activity ended on Monday, December 6th, 2010. The delegation returned in Kinshasa on December 07th, 2010.

Katanga

2.1.1 - 6: Getting the first request of the Assembly soliciting support from PBG for future activities

PBG December 2010 Monthly Report – Page 7

PBG, in accordance with the results of the Assessment, offered a non exhaustive list of possible activities prioritized by the Assembly pending the final results of the Assessment carried out in October.

2.1.14-3: Workshop for the strengthening of filing techniques

This workshop was really successful because not less than 67 people, members of administrative services and personnel of commissions, took part in it. It was based on competences acquired as part of a first training on the filing techniques provided in December, 2009. The personnel proved to be particularly interested and thankful due to the fact that monitoring was organized for the first time to assure the sustainability of the acquired competences.

III. Activities Planned for the next three months

Katanga:

2.1.16-2. Training on the drafting of parliamentary documents (January, 2011)

2.1.3-2. Training workshop on the budgeting review (January, 2011)

2.1.16-3. Workshop on access to researches and their use (March, 2011)

2.3.2-3. TA to assist offices in clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the key commissions (February 2011)

2.1.3-3. Workshop on financial and legislative autonomy in the constitutional framework of decentralization (February, 2011)

Kinshasa

2.5.2-2 Evaluation of the IT system of the National Assembly (Ray Short mission) January, 2011

2.1.6-4 Training of the personnel of the National Assembly on the block (March, 2011)

South Kivu:

2.1.16-2. Training on the drafting of parliamentary documents (2011)

2.1.16-3. Workshop on access to researches and their use (2011)

2.1.3-3. Workshop on financial and legislative autonomy in the constitutional framework of decentralization (March, 2011)

2.3.1-2. Introductory workshop on the mechanisms of control (March, 2011)

2.1.2 – 5. Assessment of the IT system of the Assembly (January, 2011)

Bandundu: 2.1.16-2. Training on the drafting of parliamentary documents (2011)

2.1.16-3. Workshop on access to researches and their use (2011)

2.3.2-3 TA to assist offices in clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the key commissions (February, 2011) PBG December 2010 Monthly Report – Page 8

2.1.3-3 Workshop on financial and legislative autonomy in the constitutional framework of decentralization (March, 2011)

Maniema:

2.1.2 - 5. Assessment of the IT system of the Assembly (January, 2011)

2.1.16-2. Training on the drafting of parliamentary documents (2011)

2.1.3-3. Workshop on financial and legislative autonomy in the constitutional framework of decentralization (March, 2011)

2.3.1-2. Introductory workshop on the mechanisms of control (March, 2011)

IR 3 – LAWS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR DECENTRALIZATION ESTABLISHED & IMPLEMENTED

I. Meetings held with other donors

• The World Bank

Richard Martin was requested to serve on a review committee of the Bank’s draft study on ETDs, together with Jeroen Willems of the EU and Kai Kaiser of the World Bank, Washington. Our comments were discussed in a tele-conference on Tuesday December 7 with Tony Verheijen.

The consensus was that the report provides a good background but needs strengthening in its coverage of Katanga, in its analysis of the role of ETDs, and in making its recommendations for future action more precise and actionable.

He also attended a meeting of the inter-donor committee on financial reform at the World Bank on December 9. Among the points of interest were that substantial technical assistance is being provided by the World Bank and the EU to the Ministries of Finance and Budget and COREF. One of the major objectives is the efficient and effective implementation of the medium term expenditure framework.

Other matters reported on were the visit by DFID to North and South Kivu to assess the performance of UNDP in North Kivu. From this it emerged that while they were strong in participatory planning they had made little progress with financial management and reform – unlike, for example, the World Bank project in South Kivu. He also noted that although financial management in South Kivu is better than in North Kivu, there is great confusion regarding retrocession funds, and who can retain what funds and how. Jeroen Willems from the EU pointed out that they were also working in North Kivu on financial strengthening, and suggested better cooperation on the matter of financial reform.

He also reported that the EU has recently completed a large number of contracts with the government regarding expenditure of funds from the 11th European Development Fund, including TA to COREF, support to the Cours de Compte and rehabilitation of their offices, technical assistance and training to ECOFIN of the National Assembly and the Senate and many others.

Mr Diallo reported on the World Bank’s recent mid-term review of the PRCG project, which had recommended adding an additional province, Kasai Occidentale, and removing the roads component of the project that is, in any case, being covered by the EU.

Meetings held with counterpart organizations PBG December 2010 Monthly Report – Page 9

Unité d’Appui à la Décentralisation Sectorielle (UADS)

IR3 staff kept in touch with the UADS concerning the study on the role of the private sector in service provision. And they started planning for the review workshop to be held in January. Programmatic Accomplishments under IR3

Survey Feedback and Action Planning workshops: 3.2.1.3, and 3.2.12.3 The workshop in the commune of Kadutu was held from 29 November – 2 December, and the last of these workshops to be conducted in South Kivu took place at Bukavu from December 4 – 8. Unfortunately, accommodation for workshops in Bukavu is limited, and other workshops had been scheduled for the same period. In the face of this difficulty, the commune of Kadutu managed to identify a space that is normally used by the communal court, and they transferred their operations to a different location for the four days in question. In order to secure appropriate premises for the workshop, the Ville of Bukavu paid $200 from its own resources for the space required, which is a significant vote of confidence in the importance of the workshops. The consultant will submit a report in December on all the workshops conducted in South Kivu, at which stage we shall be able to provide a fuller picture of the recommendations.

The role of the private sector in the provision of public services, 3.2.10.1 This study team is led by Fathi Kraiem, a highly experienced RTI international consultant (who was COP for USAID’s Private Participation in Environmental Services Program in Tunisia), Augustin Lumba a specialist in agriculture and legal matters, and Adele Mudipanu, a specialist in health matters and economics. In November they went to South Kivu and Katanga, and will now concentrate on remaining meetings in Kinshasa. Fathi Kraiem left on December 9, and will return on January 10. Meanwhile the local consultants were able to undertake some interviews in the week before the office closure.

Creating a UNDP website 3.1.2.3 The purchase order for a web-master to undertake the work for a web site was signed in December, and work will start in January.

Development of Models for community-based partnerships in project implementation – 3.2.10.5 A preliminary Scope of Work for this activity, which is to be focused on the work started under BRDG with communities in Maniema Province, has been drafted and will be finalized in January

PBG December 2010 Monthly Report – Page 10

Programme de Bonne Gouvernance ENGAGE Task Order DFD-I-01-08-00071-00

Monthly Report: January 2011 Activities

PBG Background

DAI began mobilizing the Programme de Bonne Gouvernance (PBG) on October 1, 2009. With a ceiling price of $36,251,768 for a five-year (three years with two option years) program. The program purpose is to improve management capacity and accountability of select legislatures and local governments. The program focuses on three categories of partners: 1) Parliamentary institutions at the central and provincial level 2) Public institutions having a stake and role in decentralization; and 3) Civil society and community-based organizations

PBG’s three Intermediate Results (IRs) are: IR 1 Citizens demand accountability IR 2 Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective IR 3 Laws, policies and procedures for decentralization established and implemented

Overall Political Context

Overview of the situation:

Events during this period were characterized by increasing tension leading up to the run up to the national elections to be held later in the year. The registering of new political parties, especially the Union for a Congolese Nation (UNC), the party of the former speaker of the national assembly, Vital Kamerhe was linked to increases in political intimidation and harassment. Notably in Maniema, at the beginning of the month, at least four prominent members of the UNC in the province were arrested, questioned, ordered expelled from the province or beaten up. This information was well documented in a professionally prepared press release by PBG partner in Maniema, Haki Za Binadamu (HBM), a human rights advocacy organization. While threats against new political entrants were also made in Katanga, this pattern does not appear to be universal, as the UNC registration in Bandundu this month appeared to go smoothly. Perhaps this is an indication of the east-west political divide.

The harassment of UNC coincided with the constitutional revision allowing for a once-off winner- take-all election with no run-off. There were also threats of a further constitutional revision to impose limits on the age of candidates which would then preclude the candidacy of 78 year-old Etienne Tshisekedi, leader of the UDPS Union for Democracy and Social Progress. While there were staged marches of support for the revision and its author President Kabila in at least 3 of the 4 provinces targeted by PBG, several civil society organizations condemned the move as a repudiation of the Sun City accords and Article 220 of the constitution which proscribes any revision leading to the dilution of individual rights and freedoms.

On January 15th, 2011, the National Assembly ratified the appointment of the 7 members of the office of the Independent National Elections Commission: Pastor Ngoy Mulunda, Flavien Misoni, Elisha Muhimuzi and Matthieu Mpita for the majority, .Jacques Ndjoli, Carole Kabanga Nkoy and Laurent Ndaye Nkondo for the opposition. PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 1

Incidents took place on Thursday, January 13th, 2011 on the campus of the University of Kinshasa further to the discovery of the body of a student hung on a tree. The students gathered on the campus to organize a peaceful protest march. This provoked violent clashes with the police. These clashes caused, according to various sources, 7 deaths, including 5 students and 2 policemen. Other sources mention that there were more than 10 deaths.

On Friday, January 14th, 2011, the students of the Advanced Institute of Sciences acted like their colleagues of the University of Kinshasa by organizing a protest demonstration which was also dispersed by the police.

On Saturday, January 22nd, 2011, the students of the National Pedagogical University (UPN) demonstrated their disapprobation against the decision of the relevant Minister abolishing certain channels organized by this institution. They burnt tyres and threw stones on private vehicles and they were dispersed only thanks to the intervention of the policemen. To calm the tension, the Prime minister decided to suspend this decision.

On January 26th, 2011, around thirty activists of UDPS, (the traditional opposition party run by Etienne Tshisekedi) were denied the legalization of the statutes of the last congress held last December in Kinshasa. Other statutes had already been legalized in favor of a dissident party from UDPS. The Secretary General of UDPS, Mr. Germain Shabani, declared: «The position of the notary of Kinshasa is part of the maneuverings of the AMP-PPRD regime to prevent UDPS from coming into the next presidential election». While the opinion feared that this situation degenerates into riot, the Notary finally legalized the new statutes of UDPS.

Key Activities and Actions by IR

IR 1 – CITIZEN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY

I. Events and Issues Arising with Impact on IR1

PBG staff were struck by the significant contrast between the civil society response to the Kabeya assassination and the response to the revision which arguably poses greater risks for reversal of democratic gains. This suggests a continued lack of sophistication among civil society actors in terms of an appreciation of what is at stake and/or in terms of the capacity to mount a quick response that involves mass mobilization through education and sensitization, especially when the event which calls for a response requires a nuanced understanding of ramifications. The staged protests underscored how easy it was to manipulate citizens who reportedly welcomed the news that they would only have to stand on line and dip their fingers in ink once! It may be useful for PBG to make available to civil society at national level, a platform for not only examining strategies for addressing the revision but also to analyze the civil society responses immediately following the revision to identify the sources of the weak response and develop lessons learned for the future. At least one prominent opposition member in Bukavu, at a press conference, called for the backing of a single opposition candidate to counter the revision indicating possibilities for strategic alliances between political and civil society opponents of the revision.

In other developments, in Bandundu, the high incidents of mortality and paralysis from a polio outbreak there and the resistance by communities to vaccination messages out of fear presents a significant opportunity for civil society, legislative and government actors to join forces in launching an aggressive education campaign.

PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 2

Another opportunity for inter-stakeholder collaborative action identified by PBG staff in Bandundu was presented by the crisis in education which re-emerged during this period when teachers went on strike. PBG staff attributes this on-going crisis to the failure of the current centralized system of education administration and has suggested the possibility of organizing public hearings that would use this occasion to highlight the need to accelerate the process towards decentralization. One proposed issue within the education sector to be highlighted is the breakdown in operations of learning centers created to address special educational needs. This might be an opportunity to promote inter-staff cooperation within PBG where the expertise of the new education advisor in Katanga could be enlisted to support any Bandundu programming in this area.

Also in Bandundu this month, a criminal investigation was opened into the embezzlement of $40,000 intended for the construction of public water access points. Had the project been implemented according to plan in 2007, many illnesses and even deaths that occurred in the interim attributable to water-born diseases could have been averted. This presents an excellent opportunity for civil society to launch an education campaign on the seriousness of the consequences of corruption and to encourage a culture of public investigations and inquiries into the mismanagement of public funds.

PBG staff in Katanga were encouraged by the openness to collaboration demonstrated by the Katanga legislature in the opening of its latest session. Unfortunately, however, the sudden death of PBG’s closest collaborator to date, the head of the cabinet of the assembly president suggests that a new round of relationship building will be required to consolidate interest in collaboration.

PBG civil society partners in Katanga continue to gear up for the upcoming elections. In particular, one partner, the civil society bulletin, SOCIOKAT published an informative article on the on-going revision of the voters’ roll. The article answered such questions as why is an electoral roll revision necessary, who is affected by the revision, where and when does the revision take place and how transparency of the revision is being ensured.

Also in Katanga, the recapture this month of 12 of 33 prisoners who, in November, had escaped from a maximum security prison in Likasi, was apparently the result of effective community engagement by the government. Further commitment on the part of the Katanga government to reducing the culture of criminality and impunity was evidenced by its decision to broadcast a sensational murder trial involving drug traffickers.

However the summary demolition of 500 informal houses this month by the provincial government highlighted government inability to find more humane ways to address the problem of illegal housing. Civil society in Katanga thus has the opportunity to try and reinforce government commitments to reduce criminality and impunity and to work with government on how to better address problems related to poverty.

The electoral roll revision is apparently not going smoothly in Maniema. PBG staff cite communications and management problems which has led to limited awareness and understanding of the process among the general population. The situation could be improved once new communications and broadcast equipment received this month in the province is installed and operational. This and a project aimed at rehabilitating 100kms of road in Maniema are projects that should be closely monitored by civil society organizations.

Unhappy educators and promises of road rehabilitation were also a dominant theme in South Kivu. In particular, through a high profile agreement signed in Kinshasa by the governor of the province with Chinese companies, the provincial authorities have pledged to rehabilitate 20 kms of road in three municipalities.

PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 3

Another opportunity is thus presented for civil society project monitoring. The persistent failure to pay teachers on a timely basis in all targeted provinces indicates a need to address this issue in the series of policy meetings to be organized at the national level by PBG local partner, SERACOB.

In a broadcast statement, Mister Denis Kabaka, President of the League AMP Youth, announced a march on January 31st in support of President Kabila and the constitutional revision and confirm the unity of AMP.

Rising criminality attributable to the continuation of the ban on mining activity is an on-going phenomenon as is the continuing threat to the security of local villages in border areas

II. Meetings held with other donor organizations

No meetings were held with other donor organizations during this reporting period. PBG will again seek to establish some level of coordination for civil society strengthening work among donor organizations.

III. Meetings with counterpart organizations

Planning meetings held during this period were held with CENADEP, SFCG and SERACOB on various issues. In the case of SFCG, a commitment was secured to undertake, support activities and produce products more responsive to the needs of PBG. For example, based on previous conversations, SFCG had not evidenced a willingness to use its PBG budget and staff time to support the Circle of Women radio broadcasts which should squarely fit within the purview of their sub-contract. Instead, products were produced that were unresponsive to the needs of democratic advocacy work. However, after the meeting held this month, SFCG has agreed to reduce pre-packaged programming and support locally produced programming with training support to ensure professional products.

In the first quarter of year two, already SFCG began to refocus its work at the national level to be more relevant to PBG with national radio broadcasts that addressed such issues as retrocession, issues arising in the September parliamentary session and the relationship between provincial governments and ETDs.

SERACOB has agreed to collaborate with PBG on providing a platform for civil society organizations to develop policy positions on various issues as preparation for direct discussions with government. It is anticipated that these policy position development forums will start in February.

Administrative issues have led to the delay in the appointment by CENADEP of the coordinator of the civil society website on good governance. It is hoped that these issues will be resolved soon so that the coordinator can begin in early February.

IV. Programmatic Accomplishments

The main accomplishments for this month were 1) CRD development initiated in two provinces with visits of consultants (1.1.3.-5); 2) Circle of Women Radio Broadcasts Continue; 3) Good Governance Website Development Continues (IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3); 4) Provided on-going technical assistance to CSO partners (1R1.1.3 (SA4), 5) Provincial Audience Publique in Bukavu on Health (1.2.2 (SA2) and 6) Grants Management Training Workshops for CSO partners held in one province and a proposal already submitted.

Activity IR1.1.3 (SA5) – CRD Development

PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 4

The first of 2 consultants (each of whom is assigned to 2 of the 4 targeted provinces) visited Bandundu province to assess the state of the PBG Centre des Resources pour Développement (CRD). As Bandundu is the most advanced of the 4 provinces given its pre-existence under the Bridge program, this visit serves the dual role of examining what works well that can be a model for others and identifying opportunities to more optimally serve PBG stakeholders. The consultant, so far, has conducted a needs assessment with potential users through consultations with a range of stakeholders, including academic institutions, governmental and institutional representatives such as the Provincial Assembly of Bandundu, the Ministry of Agriculture, the office of governor, etc. During discussions with key stakeholders, he sought information regarding current means of accessing information and reference resources. Preliminary feedback suggests that the IT features associated with the CRD are regarded by the majority of those interviewed as the most attractive.

Katanga was the second province visited this month by the other of the two consultants who is actually based in Katanga at the University of Lubumbashi. Similarly, he has met with civil society, government and parliamentary stakeholders to identify information needs.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 (SA3) – Circle of Women

A further Cercle des Femmes program was broadcast at the end of the month in Bandundu featuring the theme, "Contribution of micro-finance development at the grassroots level to development" The program was moderated by a professional journalist and featured the female director of the Christian Cooperative Savings and Credit. The discussion particularly explored the disadvantages to women farmers who are forced to engage in the barter system rather than a system based on cash transactions.

Agreements are being reached with radio stations in other provinces. As discussed above, agreement was reached with SFCG that they will assume financial and technical support responsibility for these series of broadcasts. The negotiation of this new agreement as well as complaints from PBG provincial staff regarding the breadth of audience coverage of media partners selected by SFCG has also led to the delay in the launch of the broadcasts in other provinces. Partners initially selected, especially one in Katanga have also suffered significant instability thus preventing a further impediment to moving ahead with the broadcasts.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3 – CSO Good Governance Website Development

Despite the fact that the website coordinator has yet to be formally appointed by CENADEP, she was invited for an orientation session and a status update. Similarly, discussions were held with the new coordinator of the SERACOB policy seminar series. The results of these policy position discussions will be fed to the website and so the two coordinators will be required to work closely. The greatest challenge associated with website coordination will be ensuring the accuracy and uniformity of information submitted from disparate sources. Developing a system in that regard will thus be one of the first tasks of the new coordinator.

Activity 1R1.1.3 (SA4) – Technical Assistance to CSOs

In Katanga, technical assistance meetings were held with 2 civil society organizations, Bulletin SOCIKAT (the civil society journal) and ANAPECO (the parent teacher organization).

In the meeting with SOCIKAT, PBG staff encouraged a greater focus on advocacy for decentralization and on enlightening the public regarding the role of civil society in the implementation of decentralization. They also highlighted the need for sensitization on the voters’ roll revision process. They also provided assistance

PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 5

to the planning of a social dialogue on participatory governance which was to have been held at the end of the month.

In the meeting with ANAPECO, strategies were explored regarding a conflict that has arisen between parents and schools on school fees.

General observed strengths observed in both meetings was the organizations’ access to expert resources, their willingness to network and work with local populations. Common weaknesses included continued dependence on external financing and limited capacity to systematically collect data that will inform their advocacy work.

In Maniema, technical assistance was provided to 2 partner organizations, COJESKI (youth promotion), Haki za Binadamu (HBM) (human rights).

At the meeting with COJESKI, the focus was on preparation of the response to the PBG call for proposals. COJESKI plans to submit a proposal on advocacy for participatory governance in the local community. PBG staff helped to clarify requirements contained in the call for proposal such as the need to identify strategies for sustainability, justifying the need for the project and ensuring consistency among the various elements of the proposal.

Assistance on proposal preparation was also provided to HBM which proposes to focus on advocacy for budget transparency. PBG staff strongly encouraged HBM staff to consult as many other stakeholders as possible to better inform proposal preparation. As a result, HBM has resolved to organize a meeting of stakeholders to consult and assign tasks.

Technical assistance on proposal preparation was also provided by PBG South Kivu to RIO, an organization focused on democracy promotion and human rights for women and youth.

Activity IR1.1.5 (SA2) –Grants Management

A grant management training program was held in the last province to organize this activity, Katanga (although there are still groups to be trained in parts of Bandundu).

In addition, one of the 5 partners in Bandundu that has received training has already submitted a funding proposal that is currently being reviewed by the Bandundu provincial office.

Activity IR1.2.2 (SA2) – Audience Publique on Health in Bukavu

A public hearing in improving the quality of health insurance in the province was held and strategically timed to coincide with the current session of the provincial assembly. The objective of the hearing was to bring together stakeholders across sectors (civil society, provincial government and legislators) to develop a draft edict on health care insurance. The results of the meeting have already been sent to the assembly. The meeting was extremely well attended and all sectors well represented, including 7 deputies, 1 member of provincial government, 11 technical consultants from provincial government, 3 officials from the city of Bukavu, 39 civil society representatives, 15 media and theater representatives and 3 PBG staff members. PBG civil society partner Centre Olame was one of the organizations that led the preparatory process for this event. PBG staff were particularly pleased to note the high level of commitment and sense of ownership demonstrated by the participants. It was remarkable, for example, that no participant requested

PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 6

IR 2 – SELECTED PARLIAMENTS ARE MORE DEMOCRATIC AND EFFECTIVE

I. Political situation

National level:

The National Assembly held an extraordinary session which ended on January 15th, 2011 with the adoption, by the Congress, of the law modifying 8 provisions of the February 18th, 2006 Constitution.

Provincial level

Maniema:

The review of electoral lists continues and certain cases of double registrations have been signaled.

The Mayor of the city of Kindu was relieved of his position and replaced by Mr. TAMBWE Alphonse Daudet, who was the provincial Minister of Environment.

The January parliamentary session opened in Maniema earlier on January 17th, due to a scheduling conflict with the memorial for national heroes. Opened by the president, Honorable HUBERT KISHABONGO, this one announced that the session would be concentrate on legislation but also there would be a strict oversight of the public institutions and the provincial government.

No plenary session has been organized since the opening of the session. The deputies are busy reviewing the electoral lists of their constituencies. The sessions should resume in March.

Some staff members were complaining about the preferential treatment for the most long-serving administrative agents.

South Kivu:

Except for some scattered cases of insecurity (armed robberies, lootings) the month of January was generally secure and peaceful.

The Provincial Assembly ordinary session, according to the constitution, should have opened on Saturday, January 15th, 2011, however as a sign of respect for the commemoration of the assassinations of Laurent Désiré Kabila, and Patrice Lumumba, this session was rescheduled for Tuesday, January 18th, 2011.

Internal Elections at the Provincial Assembly: the reporter's position, vacant has just been entrusted to David Ombeni Nakabinda from MIR, while Jules Balumisa Mubolwa, from DCF-COFEDEC / Kalehe-Bunyakiri district, was elected to Mubolwas’s former position of deputy reporter.

UDPS is carrying out an awareness-building campaign with its members to promote massive participation in the next electoral operations, about democracy in general and particularly about its ideology.

Bandundu :

Politically speaking, the main event in the province of Bandundu in January was the training and awareness- building of civil society organizations on aspects relating to the PAP priority action program, the support and the judicial monitoring of sexual violence, the review of the electoral file, and the establishment of the “Union for the Congolese Nation” (UNC) political party in the province of Bandundu. The Secretary General of the UNC declared to this effect: “A small public opinion poll which we conducted in Bandundu city showed that

PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 7

the name of Vital Kamerhe, key figure of the UNC, is highly-regarded in this entity where the political impulsion of the province starts”.

Katanga:

The US Ambassador in the DRC, James-F.Entwistle, who was in Katanga, made an important diplomatic statement relating to the ongoing electoral process in the DRC by saying that according to him, Washington grants much importance to the organization of free and equitable elections in the DRC and wished that the candidates could participate in these elections freely and without threats.

During a press conference held on January 5th, 2011, the President of the Provincial Assembly provided a positive report of his institution; on the one hand, thanks to the collaboration between the Provincial Executive and the Provincial Assembly, and on the other hand, thanks to the contribution of the international partners in technical assistance and various workshops having built the technical capacities not only of Provincial deputies, but also of administrative and political senior staff.

During his speech at the opening of the 8th parliamentary session, he proclaimed loudly and clearly his unconditional support to the Head of State and his determination to back him for the 2011 elections, while showing his support to the proposal of the constitutional revision.

During the march organized on Friday, January 21st, 2011 in Lubumbashi, the members of PPRD Katanga requested the departure of the leaders of the Government-owned firms who are not members of the presidential party or who do not share the vision of the management of government-owned firms advocated by President Kabila.

In summary, the social, security, economic and political environment of Katanga province was characterized by political agitation essentially due to the serious threats made by the Alliance of the Presidential Majority/Katanga towards all those who would be opposed to their interests. This political agitation was shown by demonstrations of strong community mobilizations to stop all those who would try to oppose the candidate Joseph Kabila on the presidential elections of 2011. This contributes to creating an insecure environment for the political minority in Katanga, but also for members of the population as a whole who favor change and for certain investors.

II. Events having an impact on PBG activities

National level

The constitutional revision that took place on January 15th, 2011 prevented the implementation of the technical assistance initially solicited by PAJ and ECOFIN Committees of the National Assembly relating to the laws registered in the agenda of the December extraordinary session.

The setback in the democratic process caused by this revision the request for assistance formulated by the National Assembly concerning the Analysis of the future electoral law. Nevertheless, in order not to penalize the deputies and senators, including some from the majority, who did not support this review and, in order to allow the Parliament to vote in full knowledge of the facts, it is necessary to organize a comparative information workshop on electoral systems as well as on systems favoring a larger participation of women within the Parliament. Consequently, the possibility offered to the President of the Republic to dissolve the provincial assemblies has the effect of weakening these assemblies which yet began being reinforced thanks to the support of the international partners, including PBG. PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 8

Provincial Level

Maniema: Presently, the organization of elections is the first priority for the province. As proof, the provincial Assembly will be mobilized during the entire month of February for a public awareness-building program to help convince potential voters of the importance of registering. At the request of the assembly leadership, all IR2 activities with member participants that were originally planned for February have been rescheduled for March.

Collaboration with the Assembly remains very good. Three meetings were held in Kinshasa with the PA President. During these three encounters, the President reiterated repeatedly the urgent need to speed up the edict drafting process.

South Kivu: The political and security situation has calmed this period, and the provincial assembly has demonstrated a new-born willingness to initiate activities in collaboration with PBG.

Bandundu: The general climate is favorable for the implementation of IR2 activities as clearly testified by the opening speech of the Provincial Assembly session which recognizes PBG as a partner by specifically citing certain project activities, notably the workshop on the constitutionality and drafting of decrees.

Katanga:

The political climate is becoming more contentions due to the upcoming elections. This was clearly demonstrated by the provincial assembly president with a particularly partisan speech marking the opening of the plenary. This could constitute an obstacle to the implementation of IR2 activities.

The dictatorial pressure of the majority endangers certain republican values essential for democracy such as tolerance, acceptation of the minority’s free opinions, etc;

Even within this majority, there is ethnic cleavage, or separatism between the ‘BalubaKat’ of the north, southern ‘Rund’ and other ethnic groups;

Customs fraud at the border post of Kasumbalesa and the multiplicity of taxes in markets and trade are becoming more prevalent as those involved constitute war chests in preparation for their respective campaigns.

There could be perceived, however a window of opportunity for further strengthening collaboration between the Provincial Assembly and PBG if one takes into account that during a press conference the provincial assembly president mentioned the technical and material assisting provided by international partners, not only for provincial deputies but also for the benefit of the administrative and political staff.

The untimely and unfortunate death of the PA Administrative Manager who was a PBG ally could slow down IR2 implementation for this session.

Meetings with other donors and partners

Other donors PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 9

January 18th, 2011: Met with all other donors in a coordination meeting;

January 26th, 2011: Met with Ibrahima NIANE of UNDP. This meeting is part of the dynamics of coordination of the donors’ actions;

January 27th, 2011: Conducted a work session with Raphael DIUMASUMBU from BTC and the Maniema Assembly President to facilitate the coordination of efforts for the rehabilitation of the Assembly’s building and its equipment in IT materials;

Several meetings and contacts with partners

January 26th, 2011: Encountered Sosthène NSIMBA and Honoré KABONGO from Search For Common Ground. This meeting was aimed at establishing a collaborative framework between IR2 and SFCG for the preparation of radio programs;

January 26th, 2011: Met with the Speaker of the provincial Assembly of Maniema;

III. IR 2 Programmatic Accomplishments

Kinshasa:

Activity IR 2.5.4 Technical assistance provided to the Congolese Network of Parliaments’ Personnel

In partnership with Westminster Foundation for Democracy, DAI / USAID / PBG facilitated the holding of the first General Assembly of the Congolese Network of the Parliaments staff (January 18th and 19th, 2011) and organized a workshop on the types of relationships that should exist between the parliamentary civil servant and the elected representative (January 20th and 21st, 2011). These two activities were attended by the representatives of the administrations of the provincial assemblies and those of the administrations of the Senate and the National Assembly. The General Assembly mainly dealt with the assessment of the RCPP activities as well as the analysis and adoption of amendments relating to some provisions of the Statutes and the internal Regulations. The workshop dealt with the types of professional reports which should maintain the parliamentary civil servant and the parliamentarian in touch with ethics and General Services, as part of works in commissions and in public sessions, as part of works in the Design Office, as part of equipments and protocol service and, finally, as part of the English Parliament. This double activity was a good opportunity of reinforcing the coordination of the activities of various donors. 2.1.2 - 5: Assessments of the IT system of the Assembly

In January, RAY SHORT, accompanied by Alain KILAPI, continued his evaluation mission for the services of the National Parliament concerning the IT systems. The outcome of this mission was a detailed and appropriate report on the inventory of fixtures and priority needs.

Maniema:

Activity IR 2.1.2 - 5: Provincial Assembly IT Assessment

On January 18th - 21st, 2011, Ray Short and Alain Kilapi conducted the evaluation mission of the IT system of the provincial Assembly of Maniema. The purpose of the mission was to dialogue with the political and administrative bodies (the users) of this institution in order to develop a program which will help the provincial Assembly of Maniema with short, medium and long term projects and avoid duplication with other donors. Other contacts continued with the office of the reporter, the committees and the administrative body.

South Kivu PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 10

Activity IR 2.1.2 - 5: Assessment of the IT system of the Assembly

From January 24th till 26th, 2011, Ray Short and Alain Kilapi conducted an evaluation mission of the IT system of the South Kivu Provincial Assembly. This mission was organized in order to meet the needs expressed by the beneficiaries, including the members of the office and the agents as well as the Deputies. All of them are in need of a computer equipment in order to update their working system and improve their performance.

Activity IR 2.3.5-2: Technical Assistance Provided to the Health committee On January 21st, 2011, a public hearing was organized on the issues of the Health mutual insurance companies. There were in total 76 people including 7 deputies, 12 members of the provincial government, 3 members of the local government, 39 representatives of Civil Society, 12 representatives of active organizations in the Health sector and 15 members of mass media as well as Search for Common Ground.

The Governance Adviser began by explaining the meaning of the "public hearing". It was aimed at making the various actors in the sector intervene, so that they contribute with the provision of ideas for the edict which is being prepared at the same time in the Provincial Assembly and in the provincial Ministry of Health.

The Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Health represented the provincial authority. After the reading of ToRs by the facilitator of the day, a participative sketch, prepared for this purpose, was played by the small professional theater group of Search For Common Ground.

Then, the Doctor, coordinator of Health Mutual Associations, on behalf of the provincial minister, put the assistance in the picture about the Health Policy in the Province of South-Kivu. After him, Honorable Deputy, President of the socio-cultural committee spoke about the budget allocated to the Health sector such as voted by the legislative body. Finally, the Permanent Secretary of Civil Society mentioned the expectations and opinions of the population of South-Kivu relating to the health Mutual Associations.

From January 26th, 2011, the local PBG team organized a three-day workshop gathering all stakeholders with local health experts in the DAI office for an extensive study in order to draft a Decree on the establishment of Health Mutual associations in the Province of South-Kivu. This workshop gathered 18 participants including 5 provincial deputies (4 from the socio-cultural committee and 1 from PAJ) and an expert of the Provincial Assembly, 5 members of the provincial government including the provincial Health Minister, the chief of Staff, 2 advisers and the doctor, provincial Coordinator of the Health Mutual associations and 7 representatives of Civil Society as well as 4 members of active organizations in the Health sector.

Katanga

The activities scheduled for January in Katanga have been postponed upon the request of the Assembly. Therefore, the activities will start in February with the restitution of the assessment of the Assembly.

IR 3 – LAWS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR DECENTRALIZATION ESTABLISHED & IMPLEMENTED

I. Events having an impact on IR3

Political events that affected IR3 During the month, the constitution was amended with great haste. Although the most important revision was to abolish the need for a run-off election for the President if he does not receive more than 50% of the votes, the amendments of importance to the project were:  To give the power to the President to suspend Provincial Assemblies and Provincial Governors  To remove the time scale for découpage of the provinces from the present 11 to the proposed 26.

PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 11

Although many fear that this presidential prerogative will be abused, on the face of it, the constitutional changes make no impact on the activities being undertaken under IR3.

IR3 is designed to result in “increased institutional capacity of selected provincial and local entities” (Activity 3.2) specifically in the health, education and agricultural sectors, and to result in “more effective financial management and budgeting” (Activity 3.4).

This work is not affected by the constitutional amendments, and the project’s work of strengthening the ability of the provincial and local governments to deliver services at the provincial and local level remains as important now as it was previously.

The work of IR3 at national level is also unaffected by the changes. Our work in developing subsidiary legislation to support decentralization, and thereby strengthen the service delivery in health, education and agriculture at the provincial level, will continue. CTAD has confirmed that its work is unaffected by the changes.

Similarly we will continue to work with the other major donors on implementing Government’s financial reform program. This involves establishing mid-term expenditure frameworks, improved budgeting and monitoring systems and installation of a national system for the control of expenditure in all provinces.

Regarding the découpage, the concept of découpage came under very critical scrutiny under a highly detailed World Bank study of the viability of the proposed new provinces. It demonstrated that all but two of the new provinces would be financially unviable. From the perspective of good governance and establishment of effective systems for service delivery we are also of the view that the DRC lacks the capacity to implement such a radical policy, and if implemented it would weaken further the capacity of existing provinces to manage their own affairs.

Such a process, desirable as it is in principle, should be implemented only once the retrocession system and Caisse de Péréquation are in place. Furthermore, subdivision should only take place when the necessary resources in terms of buildings and staff are in place.

It is not possible to predict whether, because of the power of the President to suspend Governors and Provincial Assemblies, there will be any more impact in future than was caused by political disturbances in the past. But we should note that under the previous constitutional arrangements, two out of four Provincial Governors within the project provinces were voted out for questionable reasons, and one Provincial Assembly was closed on the (unconstitutional) instructions of the Governor. Thus only one of the four provinces enjoyed “normal” working arrangements during 2010.

A worst case scenario is that the Provincial Assemblies will be dominated by opposition parties and will be in conflict with the Governors, thereby giving the President the pretext to close them. This scenario would not reflect well, politically, on the President so one would hope that it would only be used in extreme circumstances. But however undemocratic it would be, it would not affect the decentralization activities of IR3.

Legislative delays

PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 12

Unfortunately, though the draft Loi sur les Finances Publiques has been subjected to detailed scrutiny by the Ecofin committee in the National Assembly, it did reach the vote during the parliamentary session which ended in January, and it is not clear when it will finally be adopted. Even longer delays are expected for the law relating to the Caisse de Péréquation.

II. Meetings held with other donors

World Bank

On Thursday 27 January, Richard Martin met the team leader, Prof Musa and a consultant advisor, Ladipo Adamolekun on the Bank study of ETDs, which is nearing completion. They were interested in getting more information about the PBG program, as well as our interpretation of and response to the constitutional amendments.

III. Meetings held with counterpart organizations

Unité d’Appui à la Décentralisation Sectorielle (UADS)

On January 20 we met with the UADS to discuss progress on our report. We had experienced some difficulties in collecting the data and the local consultants had failed to meet deadlines. It was therefore proposed that the review workshop be held three days later than originally planned, and the working level meeting to discuss the findings be held on 28 January.

At this meeting useful contributions were made by the specialist members of the UADS team which are to be incorporated in the final workshop to be held on 1st February.

IV. Programmatic Accomplishments under IR3

Activity IR 3.2.1.3, and 3.2.12.3: Survey Feedback and Action Planning workshops:

The consultant’s reports regarding the workshops held in South Kivu (Ngweshe, Kadutu and Bukavu) were received in mid-January. Although the outcomes of workshop in Ngweshe were not as well defined as in the other two ETDs, overall they were a great success. Annexed to this report is a shortlist of projects which will now be studied in more detail.

The final round of these workshops was to have started in Katanga during January. The first was to have been held in Likasi on January 25, but had to be cancelled due to problems with the Monusco flight. The first one will therefore start in Katuba on 1st February.

Activity IR 3.2.10.1 The role of the private sector in the provision of public services

This study team is led by Fathi Kraiem, supported by Augustin Lumba a specialist in agriculture and legal matters, and Adele Mudipanu, a specialist in health matters and economics. As reported under UADS above, the work was substantially complete in January. A draft executive summary was prepared in the third week PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 13

of the month and circulated to interested parties, including UADS itself, the World Bank and DfID. This was supported by a PowerPoint presentation made at the meeting held on January 28. The study was well received and suggestions which were made at that meeting will be incorporated in the version to be presented at the report-back meeting. Following that, the report will be finalized.

Activity IR 3.1.2.3 Creating a UNDP website The purchase order for a web-master to undertake the work for a web site was signed in December. A meeting has been set up with CTAD to discuss the content and allow the consultant an opportunity to assess the client’s needs in more detail.

Activity IR 3.2.9.3, 3.2.9.4 and 3.2.7.3: Training in Financial Management and Monitoring for ETDs:

Work was to have started in the final province to benefit from these training events, Maniema, with a workshop at Alunguli. Unfortunately it had to be cancelled at the last minute as the Monusco flight on which the consultant was booked was full. This has now become an unfortunately common pattern. The first workshop, in Bangengele, will therefore start on February 1. The important aspect of these workshops is that the beneficiaries include public officials and civil society. They aim to assist both parties to collaborate more effectively in developing budgets, managing expenditures in a more transparent way, and allowing citizens and the ETD officials to understand and practice simple monitoring techniques.

Activity IR 3.2.10.5: Development of Models for community-based partnerships in project implementation

A preliminary Scope of Work for this activity, which focuses on work started under BRDG with communities in Maniema Province, has been drafted and was to have been finalized in January. Unfortunately the BRDG consultant with whom we wished to collaborate has not accepted the draft SOW, and the feasibility of the activity is therefore under question.

Constraints & Opportunities

Constraints

 Administrative challenges prevented the timely appointment of the website coordinator which has in turn slowed down the process of website development.

 The continued restriction on flying Congo Express delayed the grants management training scheduled to take place in Katanga.

Opportunities

 The shift of a program dominated by formal training programs to one focused more on demand driven technical assistance and a resource center that responds to emerging needs will enable more responsiveness and flexibility for local offices.

 The provincial ministry of planning in Bandundu has announced support for a provincial plan of action with sub-allocations for good governance, economic growth and social progress. The funding source is unclear, but the ministry has openly welcomed civil society participation in consultations

PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 14

related to the plan and its implementation. A provincial development advisory council has been established for this purpose.

 Civil society was invited to serve as part of the information campaign on the voters’ roll revision in a “day of information” on that topic organized by the provincial electoral commission.

 EISA in Bandundu and a Belgian NGO in Maniema, also provided budget training to civil society organizations in those two provinces during this period.

 DPKs work with women and youth on sexual violence in which a training program with 50 participants was organized on monitoring the judicial process for victims of sexual violence presents an opportunity for PBG partners to strengthen their work in this regard.

 The EITI forum held in the middle of the month in Katanga called attention to the need for civil society to become more active in revenue transparency monitoring in the province and nationally.

PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 15



Upcoming Activities (February 2011)

Timing Activity IR Location Mar 1 3.2.10-6 Restitution of the private sector study on private-public services IR3 Kinshasa

Feb 1-9 1.1.3-5 CRD development IR1 Bandundu

Feb 4-7 2.2.1-4 Technical assistance on issues on which Pas must pass laws IR2 Bandundu

Feb 1-8 3.2.9-3/3.2.9-4 Financial management and budget oversight IR3 Bangengele Maniema Feb 1-4 1.1.1-5 Grants preparation training IR1 Katanga Feb 1-4 3.2.1-3/3.2.12-3 ETD local action plan preparation IR3 Kolwezi Katanga Feb 10 3.1.6-6 Working group on types of service provisions in the ETDs IR3 Kinshasa

Feb 10 - 3.2.9-3/3.2.9-4 Financial management and budget oversight IR3 Wakabongo 13 Maniema Feb 8- 10 2.1.1.-1 Capacity evaluation of PAs IR2 Katanga

Feb 8-11 3.2.1.3/3.2.12-3 ETD local action plan preparation IR3 Katuba Katanga Feb 16- 1.1.1-5 Grants preparation training IR1 Kikwit, 18 Bukangalonzo, Bandundu Feb 16- 2.1.16-1 Policy research access seminars IR2 Bandundu 19 Feb 14- 2.1.3.-1 Budget preparation and analysis IR2 Katanga 15 Feb 15- 3.2.1-3/3.2.1-12 ETD local action plan IR3 Katanga 18 Feb 21 3.1.7-3 Inter-institutional work group IR3 Bandundu

Feb 22- 3.2.9-3 Financial management and budget oversight IR3 Kadutu South 25 Kivu

PBG January 2011 Monthly Report – Page 16

Programme de Bonne Gouvernance ENGAGE Task Order DFD-I-01-08-00071-00

Monthly Report: February 2011 Activities

PBG Background

DAI began mobilizing the Programme de Bonne Gouvernance (PBG) on October 1, 2009. With a ceiling price of $36,251,768 for a five-year (three years with two option years) program. The program purpose is to improve management capacity and accountability of select legislatures and local governments. The program focuses on three categories of partners: Parliamentary institutions at the central and provincial level Public institutions having a stake and role in decentralization; and Civil society and community-based organizations

PBG’s three Intermediate Results (IRs) are: IR 1 Citizens demand accountability IR 2 Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective IR 3 Laws, policies and procedures for decentralization established and implemented

Overall Political Context

Nationally, election fever has erupted among the various political groupings that are now refining their electoral strategies. The opposition has been conducting awareness building at the grass-roots level to encourage the selection of a single candidate as evidenced by the morning political event organized by the Union Pour la Nation on February 5 and attended a number of political activists (UDPS, Parti du Travail, Mouvement du Peuple Congolais pour la Democratie). One message is clear from this meeting: the cohesion of the opposition.

However, media reports on Etienne Tshisekedi’s political ambitions when he declared himself candidate for the presidency without compromise are viewed by many as a weakening of the opposition’s resolve for solidarity. Others see it as a precautionary measure to prevent a compromise among other political stakeholders. Still others see in Tshisekedi an unstoppable candidate in the struggle for democracy and the rule of law.

Meanwhile, the AMP is mobilizing for re-election of Joseph Kabila. Indeed, party leaders who are neither members of parliament or the current government, February 15, 2011 have called for the unity and solidarity of all their supporters for the reelection of President Kabila. They also invited members to "engage effectively in the campaign to explain the constitutional review, and awareness-building for mass enrollment and extension of the achievements of the moral authority of the AMP ..."

More than 45 NGOs on Human Rights have expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation. This is evident from a press release issued on February 17, 2011, denouncing this situation, and urging the government to protect human rights defenders. Their statement cited the case of several Human Right activists who have received death threats by telephone. The trial "Chebeya" trial continues without progress in a blur punctuated by witnesses’ retractions, counter-accusations among police officers, fake testimonials ...

On February 26 2011, the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), was sworn in by the Supreme Court. They will assume office in the first week of March, after the hand-over is conducted with the CEI office.

At the end of February a final event managed to sow panic in Kinshasa. On the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 27, President Kabila’s residence was attacked by a group of unidentified armed men. A government spokesman, Mr. PBG February 2011 Monthly Report – Page 1

Lambert Mende, spoke of "a heavily armed group that has struck the first security cordon of the Republican Guard" provoking fighting that reportedly lasted about twenty minutes and killed several individuals. But he was quick to provide reassurance by stating that the situation was under control and that the population was free to go about their business. A fact-finding investigation is in progress.

Key Activities and Actions by IR

IR 1 – CITIZEN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY

I. Meetings with other donor or counterpart organizations

The idea of INGO implementing agents’ coordination in the civil society strengthening sector was revived during this period in which two meetings were organized. The first was a bilateral meeting held with Christian Aid (CA), the lead implementer of DFID’s largest initiative in this area. The objective of the meeting was to identify the overlaps and synergies relating to our civil society strengthening work. At the meeting, representatives of CA provided an overview of their project, the most relevant elements being that they will be supporting civil society strengthening work in the areas of:

1. Promoting citizen participation in policy development 2. Promoting and creating opportunities for policy dialogue 3. Supporting and developing capacity in budget advocacy 4. Improving internal governance within civil society organizations

It is also especially worth noting that the provinces that they have targeted so far are two of the provinces targeted by PBG, namely, Katanga and Maniema. Their plan is for the project to become a wholly Congolese project by the end of 4 years.

Subsequent to this meeting, a meeting was convened by the Carter Center at which 6 organizations were represented. While these were two separate initiatives, proposals from the first meeting were taken forward to the 2nd, most notably, the idea of convening a broader meeting at which a formal mapping of overlaps and synergies would be conducted. Ahead of that meeting, organizations will be asked to complete a form which, once completed by participating organizations, will form the basis for the data input into the mapping exercise. DAI staff has been tasked with designing the form and sending it out for comments. The date for the “mapping” meeting has now been set for March 22nd pending confirmation with all participants.

II. Meetings with PBG partner organizations

Planning meetings held during this period were held with SFCG and SERACOB on various issues. There is an on-going effort with SERACOB to take advantage of and reinforce the work it had begun before the advent of PBG of linking civil society thematic clusters to government decision-making. This in turn will support the PBG website initiative and advocacy strengthening work in general. A meeting was thus held during this period to explore the best ways for taking this initiative further. In response to PBG’s request to appoint a dedicated staff person to coordinate SERACOB’s PBG-related work, SERACOB has appointed a young economist specializing in women’s economic empowerment. Given that she started during this period, most of the month was spent on her orientation. However, at an organizational meeting held with SERACOB, it was reported that they had already convened thematic groups and initiated the process of commissioning experts to first prepare status reports on each of the sectors targeted by PBG after which they would prepare policy position papers. It is envisioned that SERACOB will convene regularly scheduled policy discussion meetings at which experts will provide their input to civil society groups to deepen their understanding on issues and better inform their

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positions on various policies. However, a schedule for these meetings has not yet been finalized. We hope to have a final schedule by the next reporting period.

Partner, SFCG at a reception held for their global president who was visiting the DRC during this period, announced the imminent departure of their current country director. She will be replaced by the person who currently serves as 2nd secretary of the Dutch Embassy who has worked closely with SFCG as a donor. He will start as SFCG country director in May. PBG looks forward to the arrival of new leadership at SFCG and will continue to monitor the organization’s responsiveness to PBG’s requests which are reported on in more detail under “Programmatic Accomplishments.”

III. Programmatic Accomplishments

The main accomplishments for this month were 1) CRD development continued in two provinces (1.1.3-5); 2) Circle of Women radio broadcasts continued (1.1.3-5); 3) Good governance website development continued (1.1.3/5 & 1.2.3); 4) Provided on-going technical assistance to CSO partners (1.1.3-4); 5) Grants Management Training Workshops for CSO partners continued (1.1.3-3); and 6) The new approach to the grassroots and civic education work of Search for Common Ground consolidated (1.1.2-1/2).

Activity IR1.1.3 (SA5): CRD Development

Both consultants completed their work in Bandundu and Katanga respectively. Significant issues have arisen during this period either in final reports of consultants or in meetings with USAID. In reports of consultants, questions and challenges associated with the implementation of CRDs included the following: Spatial configurations not ideal Hours of operation an issue There is not a reading culture in DRC and consultants have questioned the utility of a library There are challenges associated with developing a management arrangement that involves local organizations

In discussions with USAID, questions have been raised about the sustainability of the entire CRD scheme and DAI has been asked to analyze and address these questions. Questions from both sources are addressed below.

As DAI, in identifying office space for its field offices, was obliged to choose based on availability, not all spaces chosen are ideal for an office and accompanying CRD space with all of the special requirements of the latter. Considerations not necessarily taken into account before included, for example, the status held by certain groups targeted as CRD users such as deputies and ministers. In the DRC cultural context, there are requirements for VIP spaces. While from an American perspective, this would seem a direct contradiction of what we are trying to achieve, it would seem that cultural change can only be undertaken gradually.

There is a concern that the CRD hours can only operate during the opening hours of the PBG office and that many of the stakeholders will wish to access the CRD after business hours. The current arrangement could discourage a substantial portion of the targeted stakeholders. Potential solutions should be explored.

One consultant has also questioned the utility of a library containing information not specifically requested by CRD users given the prevailing “non-reading” culture in the DRC. He suggests given the budget constraints, it will be best to prioritize what can be accessed on-line and has promised to provide us with a list of sites that provide free or low cost material. Hard copies can be produced on demand.

The 4th point related to challenges associated with co-management of the CRD by local organizations also relates to issues raised in USAID meetings. Past experience with joint local ownership of resource centers has led to either conflict among local organizations or mismanagement. Thus any attempt at a co-management PBG February 2011 Monthly Report – Page 3

arrangement that would ultimately lead to the assumption of total control of the resource center by one or more local agencies should proceed with caution. DAI will try to identify best practice examples in the DRC where local control and management of resource centers has been successfully achieved. In the meantime, we have undertaken the following brief analysis of the current scenario and 4 possible scenarios for post-PBG CRD management, based on current knowledge and understanding of the local context:

DAI/Foreign controlled-resource center Pros: 1) Higher likelihood of proper management; 2) Potential for inter-CSO conflict minimized; 3) Neutrality more assured; Cons: 1) Lower likelihood of sustainability unless a single or multiple donors commit to such a structure in perpetuity

A Single Local NGO-controlled resource center Pros: 1) Greater local ownership if managing center is viewed as neutral; 2) Better understanding of local context and thus more responsive to local needs Cons: 1) Limited resources; 2) Risk of poor management; 3) Risk of being resented by other organizations; 4) International referencing and links less likely

A Local NGO collective-controlled resource center Pros: 1) Greater local ownership; 2) Higher likelihood of perception of neutrality; 3) Better understanding of local context and thus more responsive to local needs; 4) Greater likelihood of widespread use if all members of the collective encourage their constituents to make use of the center. Cons: 1) High risk of conflict and dissolution; 2) High risk of poor management; 3) International referencing and links less likely

A Respected Local Neutral Agency/Organization-controlled resource center (well-run university or church-linked organization) Pros: 1) Ability to encourage all local stakeholders to coalesce around the center; 2) Local ownership; 3) Minimal conflict among users; 4) Higher likelihood of proper management; 5) International linkages could promote international referencing; 6) Greater sustainability likely as a pre-existing organization with other on-going programs and projects that will continue in perpetuity Cons: 1) Preoccupation with other programs and projects could undermine effectiveness without dedicated staff to run the center.

A networked resource center in multiple locations run by multiple partners from their pre-existing bases but led by a respected local neutral agency Pros: 1) Wider access for a broader range of stakeholders; 2) Greater local ownership; 3) Less resentment towards lead agency given that others will play an active role by running sub or satellite centers; 4) Minimal conflict given the shared responsibility; 5) With respected lead agency in the coordinating role, higher likelihood that all centers in the network would be run better; 6) Greater sustainability since if one organization folds, others remaining in the network will still be there. Cons: 1) Preoccupation with other programs and projects could undermine effectiveness without dedicated staff to run each of the centers in the resource center network; 2) Could be a problem with establishing uniformity of service and quality across the members of the resource center network.

We will continue to examine these possibilities. At this juncture, it is recommended that PBG begin now to identify local institutions that fit the profile of organizations that would play a role in the scenarios deemed to be the most viable and to begin to involve them in a co-management arrangement at PBG CRDs.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 (SA3): Circle of Women

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This activity has finally taken off in the remaining 3 provinces. In Katanga, there were two television broadcasts involving women oriented and trained by PBG on the subjects of the revision of the electoral register and women leadership in urban and rural areas. The first broadcast showcased the knowledge and understanding on the part of women involved in the promotion of free and fair elections and served to better inform the viewing audience on the need for periodic electoral roll updates and the process itself. In Maniema, two broadcasts were organized on the topic of gender equity and the challenges and prospects for women in the context of participatory governance. In South Kivu, because of the need to change broadcasters and train the staff of the new broadcasters, the main activity under this program was the broadcaster training conducted by representatives of PBG partner Search for Common Ground.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3: CSO Good Governance Website Development

Both the Website coordinator at CENADEP and the Policy Development coordinator at SERACOB started their work this month. The new website coordinator received several orientations from both CENADEP and DAI staff on the state of the website development process. DAI staff also developed a set of data-gathering tools that were set to be tested during a week in the next reporting period. Once the data-gathering tools are tested, they will be refined based on the findings. Once they have been refined, those who PBG will involve in the data-gathering will be trained in how to use them. This will ensure the uniformity of the data-inputting process. At the various planning meetings held on the website during this period, a decision was taken to start the monitoring of the performance of individual deputies only after the elections. Until then, the focus will be on monitoring the performance and actions of legislative commissions and government departments and the tracking of laws or edicts. As the legislative elections are now postponed, it is not clear when deputy monitoring will begin. However, as the deputy monitoring will be a more complex undertaking, it will in any event, be more appropriate for a second phase of website implementation.

Activity 1R1.1.3 (SA4): Technical Assistance to CSOs

The month was dominated by technical assistance work in which PBG staff in all 4 provinces were deployed to work on an individual basis with PBG partners mainly on their preparatory work related to the submission of funding proposals due at the end of this reporting period. In South Kivu, technical assistance meetings were held with PBG partners RIO, OLAME Center, AFEJUCO, CEDAC and CAPSA. The approach to technical assistance used by the PBG South Kivu team was to have each partner present the elements of their draft proposals during individual meetings with each CSO. The PBG staff then provided their observations and recommendations for proposal refinement and improvement of responsiveness to the proposal solicitation which included the need to elaborate further on strategies for sustaining their advocacy result, the need to research and reference international best practices in project development and implementation, the need to strengthen the elaboration of advocacy activities where proposals focused more on service delivery and the need to include statements of justification. Technical assistance discussions also focused on helping partners to better understand terms and concepts used in the solicitation such as sustainability, modeling professionalism in advocacy work and network-based advocacy. It is clear that these discussions are helping partners to think through their proposals more comprehensively and to better understand and appreciate the process for effective proposal development. In Bandundu, because of distances separating partners from the PBG office in the province, most technical assistance discussions were telephone based and focused on more basic reminders related to proposal deadlines and the maximum figures for grants. That some CSOs in Bandundu lacked this information may be attributable to the fact that they had not yet received the grants training at which solicitations are distributed, once again because of their remote location. The PBG grants management team has thus taken the decision to extend the proposal deadline by one month for organizations that received proposal solicitations late. Proposals have already been submitted by some organizations that have received training. The current submission deadline for those organizations is March 31st.

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Activity IR1.1.5 (SA2): Grants Management Training

Grant management training continued during this period in Bandundu and Katanga, the latter having extended into the next reporting period. In both provinces, the PBG grants management team targeted partners based outside of the capital.

Activity IR1.1.2-1/2: Search for Common Ground

Most of the work undertaken by Search for Common Ground this month involved retooling their operation to be more responsive to PBG requirements. In particular, members of their senior professional staff were deployed to each of the 4 provinces to assess and address any difficulties arising with media partners and to train and reorient media partner staff more intensively to enhance their capacity to conceptualize and develop original programming as well as to produce Circle de Femme broadcasts that yield maximum impact.

As part of efforts to consolidate the partnership and ensure responsiveness on the Circle de Femme project, SFCG invited staff of PBG to observe a Circle de Femme broadcast in Katanga. PBG staff’s comments were solicited regarding how such broadcasts could be improved in future. One of the principal outcomes of the discussion was that focus groups should be held with listeners/viewers of the broadcasts in order to determine their impact.

This interchanged marked a significant shift in the partnership where SFCG has demonstrated a more genuine commitment to transforming the partnership to one defined by co-creation rather than by the distribution of prepackaged material that can satisfy multiple donors.

IR 2 – SELECTED PARLIAMENTS ARE MORE DEMOCRATIC AND EFFECTIVE

I. IR 2 Programmatic Accomplishments

Katanga:

Activity IR 2.1.2 - 5: Assessments of the IT system of the Assembly:

Alain KILAPI and Francis Buhendwa continued evaluation work started with Ray SHORT nationally. To date, apart from the office of President of the National Assembly, all departments were evaluated.

Activity IR 2.1.1 Presentation of the results of the IR 2 evaluation to the partners in Katanga:

Geraldine PELZER and Sandrine KASHONGWE traveled to Lubumbashi to present to the Provincial Assembly results of the assessment which was conducted in October 2010. This long-awaited presentation was made first to the Assembly Permanent Office and then to a few members and staff gathered in the plenary hall on February 10. Both presentations were well-received and the interested parties have again expressed the desire to see a successful partnership develop rapidly between the PBG and the Provincial Assembly of Katanga.

Activity IR 2.1.3-2 Budget review workshop:

Abraham Djamba and Esther Kamwanya facilitated this workshop for AP members on February 14-17. The workshop was attended by 54 persons including the Office of the Assembly (5 members), 15 members of the ECOFIN committee, 4 representatives of the parliamentary groups, the research offices some other committees and several staff members. The trainees appreciated the methodology used by the trainers and the relevance of the subject matter, and made some recommendations, including the reissue of this training to further increase the capacity of MPs, more regular contacts between elected officials and civil society.

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South Kivu:

Activity IR 2.3.5-2 Technical Assistance to the Health Commission on the draft mutual health edict in South Kivu

The draft edict governing Mutual Health in the South Kivu Province, which has been the subject of a public audience in January and three days of hard work with all stakeholders with DAI support has been deemed admissible to the Provincial Assembly.

Indeed, during its plenary session on February 23, the Provincial Assembly addressed this point, and the Provincial Governor introduced the draft, while the Provincial Minister of Health provided a detailed overview of the main sections.

After a series of questions and answers, the PA members found the draft admissible, and it was finally entrusted to PAJ and Socio-cultural committees for further examination for a period not exceeding five days.

Maniema:

No activities were conducted with the Provincial Assembly as they are preoccupied with the awareness building campaign on electoral registration forms until March 10.

Bandundu:

Activity IR 2.2.1-4 TA in connection with the passage of laws

Prof. Bob Kabamba has completed this activity on the identification of priority themes in South Kivu and Maniema, which the assemblies will need to legislate and local experts who could provide them with technical assistance.

Arriving Thursday, February 3, 2011 in Bandundu, he met the first President of the Provincial Assembly to whom he presented the objective of his visit to make the Provincial Assembly of Bandundu much more productive in policy making. He also met members of the ECOFIN, Environment and Natural Resources and Socio Cultural committees. He also made contact with the Bandundu University academic authorities.

His visit obtained the following results:

- Support for DAI/PBG to conduct meetings with committee for the finalization of four proposals, two edicts for the ECOFIN, one for the Cultural and Social the Environment and Natural Resources committees; - While speaking with the University Rector, he reminded us that thanks to a public hearing initiated by DAI in 2009 on the status of the Bandundu University Extension of UNIKIN they managed to achieve autonomy.

According to the Consultant Bob Kabamba, PBG technical and logistical support should begin in early March to in order to allow the Bandundu PA to complete adoption of different edicts which will be on the table.

Activity 2.1.16-3 Seminar on access to research and use

This workshop was held from 21 to 23 February 2011. The session involved 50 participants including PA members, and the political and administrative staff of the Provincial Assembly of Bandundu. After four days of fruitful work, the recommendations coming out of this training were as follows:

• To the Permanent Office of the Assembly: - Strengthening research capacity and playback of MLAs.

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- Strengthen the capacity of librarians and archivists to meet parliamentarians' information and knowledge. - Show in the shortest time, the valves of the Assembly, all proposed edicts starts with a view to raising public awareness on legislative output. - Have a computer room. - Respect for the responsibilities of government.

• To PA members: - Reflect on the true role of a PA member: how can he better serve in his role as a parliamentary agent of development? - Fighting protectionism, regionalism and politicization of the administration. - Discuss innovative strategies to achieve goals and meet the challenges of the era of digital information. - Respect the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, which is the guideline for the life of a parliamentarian.

• Staff at political and administrative - Paying attention to parliamentarians who rely on the information and analysis that libraries provide them for their role as legislators and representatives of the people. - Legislative Libraries should aim to become reliable partners of legislators and credible i.e. they need to better understand them in order to meet their changing needs to know. - Respect of Deputies and always be available to lend a hand in their parliamentary work.

• To USAID/DAI - Organize, awareness-building campaigns targeting the population at territorial capitals on the true role of PMs. - Sponsor awareness-building campaigns promulgated on promulgated laws.

Participants commended this training stating that they will be better equipped for the needs of their work as parliamentarians.

Activity IR 2.3.5-1 Technical Assistance to at least one committee in each province

Geraldine PELZER, accompanied by Jean-Fils NGAIKWOMO Governance Advisor DAI and Nelson SANA, DAI agricultural sector specialist conducted a working meeting with the Honorable EVRA, Chairman of the Provincial Assembly Environment Committee. This meeting was aimed at improving DAI’s assistance to the commission. The Honorable EVRA stated his case for organizational difficulties, lack interest on the part of the PA permanent office, which places much more importance pm the ECOFIN Committee, and the lack of equipment and poor infrastructure (buildings, equipment, and expertise). After some discussion, the Chairman of the Committee submitted its request in detail: • The provision by DAI of a meeting room at the request of the commission; • Technical assistance;

In response, Ms. Geraldine PELZER offered the following: • To make a meeting room available to the Commission , under the condition that the Committee provides a request at least 24 hours in advance of meetings makes an effort to present a meeting timetable which will permit DAI staff in Bandundu to plan to make expertise and equipment available to properly conduct the meetings. • Make available the Governance Advisor and Agriculture Sector Governance Advisor to provide technical assistance. A meeting between the President of the Commission and sector specialist has been set for February 24 at DAI office to prepare a work schedule and determine what assistance is needed.

Activity IR 2.1.14-1 Training on archiving (monitoring)

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- Follow-up of the committee put in place to implement a system of records management in the Provincial Assembly of Bandundu

Work is continuing normally. To date, this committee has completed the latest amendments and adoption of all documents produced. Thus, to help the archiving service of the Bandundu Provincial Assembly to do an efficient job of producing and storing documents, four documents are prepared by the committee: 1. A schedule for conservation and disposal of documents (CCE) 2. The internal rules for the Archiving Service 3. A manual for archive coding of the Provincial Assembly of Bandundu

A list of material needs could make the Archives more viable and operational. Work needs to be done to facilitate the archives passage through two levels before being adopted by the plenary: 1. The first level is where the documents will be presented to all of the PA department heads for a final tuning with a goal of harmonization of "indexes" assigned to each archive, presentation and approval by the administrative rules and schedule of conservation and disposal. 2. The second level is where the finished product is presented by an ad hoc committee to the plenary for the adoption of the archive management system as crafted by the committee. The team found that it is time that the Assembly has already begun to use this management system that makes easy work of Parliament and researchers' access to parliamentary documents.

IR 3 – LAWS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR DECENTRALIZATION ESTABLISHED & IMPLEMENTED

Decentralization and CTAD

The month has been used to further assess the impact of the constitutional revisions on the program, to ascertain how other donors are reacting, and to assess the value of working with CTAD.

As reported below, other donors in the field of decentralization concur with our interpretation of the constitutional amendments that they provide safeguards against the abuse of power at the provincial level, but can be misused. As far as découpage is concerned it is broadly agreed that neither the funds nor the infrastructure exist to implement it.

As stated in last month’s report we do not think that the changes invalidate our program.

Concerning CTAD there is also near unanimity regarding its importance in the machinery to implement decentralization and its present weakness and the need to transform it into a more effective body.

I. Meetings held with other donors

World Bank

IR 3 Team Leader Richard Martin attended the monthly donor coordination meeting regarding financial reform at the World Bank on February 3.

On February 7, he attended a WB debriefing regarding the World Bank study by Ladipo Adamolekun and Jean- Marie Mutamba Makambo on progress towards decentralization. It recommends that:

The provisions of the constitution in terms of retrocession need to be respected and more work should be undertaken on how the retrocession system will operate and the funds allocated. 1. Découpage should be implemented as required under the constitution.

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2. The process by which staff members are registered and salaries are paid in the provinces needs to be improved, and the Ministry of Public Functions needs to transfer staff to the provinces. 3. Financial management needs to be improved 4. The Conseil National de la mise en œuvre et de suivi du processus de la décentralisation, and its Comite Interministériel de Pilotage, de Coordination et de suivi de la mise en œuvre de la Décentralisation needs to be revived. It has only met twice since its inception in 2008.

The status of the report is not clear. It seems to have been designed as more of a fact-finding document regarding the point of view of the provinces, and is unlikely to be issued as an official document.

European Commission

On February 25, Richard Martin met with Lena Veierskov, Attache, Economic Governance; and Sandrine Coets, Director of the EU Management of Public Finances project. The objective was to exchange experiences regarding CTAD and discuss our respective experiences in the field of decentralization.

They explained that their work with CTAD is only starting in the month of March, as part of a new project. This project, with a value of $25 million, will have four long-term technical advisers, all of whom are expected in country shortly.

They stressed that this project was designed two years ago. One of the first duties of the incoming technical assistance team will be to evaluate the program design and adapt it to present-day needs. Since our project covers some of the same ground, it was agreed that we would meet the new team at the earliest possibility.

The results framework of the project is currently as follows:

1 Reinforcement of management at central level 1.1 CTAD is operational, including the development of monitoring and evaluation tools, drafting laws, contributing to other legislation concerning decentralization, strengthening synergy between agencies working on decentralization; rehabilitation of CTAD offices and establishment of a resource center. 1.2 The Cellule d’Etude Financières et Budgétaire (CEFB) is capable of analyzing and leading financial decentralization. The project will provide technical assistance to support the CEFB in the Ministry of Budget in the management of financial decentralization and drafting laws relating to financial decentralization 1.3 Civil Society is aware of key aspects of decentralization. The project will support the development of instruments to help civil society master decentralization, and implement publicity and awareness campaigns 1.4 Reinforce the capacity of the Secretariat of the Conference of Governors. Assistance will be provided to support the development of a permanent secretariat, and to help it to prepare the sessions and implement resolutions. 2 Reinforcement of the capacities of North Kivu and Kinshasa Provinces to provide essential services and manage finances 2.1 The provincial authorities are capable of providing basic services, including establishing/ reorganizing the administration of essential services, staff training, services to poor and vulnerable people, management and monitoring of provincial plans especially in the filed of natural resources and other economically significant sectors 2.2 Improved budgeting and financial management through long term

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technical assistance; the reinforcement of provincial tender boards, reinforcement of the investigative powers of provincial assemblies in cases of corruption, development of procedural manuals, introduction of modern expenditure and receipting systems. 2.3 Essential buildings in Kinshasa and North Kivu are rehabilitated or constructed and a fixed asset register created through an exhaustive survey of fixed assets in both provinces; Concerning the rehabilitation of buildings: in Kinshasa the Governor’s offices, buildings relating to some deconcentrated services, 8 of the 11 Ministries, the provincial assembly and the cleansing department. In North Kivu rehabilitation or construction of buildings for the Ministries and the Provincial Assembly.

UNDP

On February 25, Richard Martin and Cheick Samake met the Coordinator of UNDP’s Decentralization and Local Development Program (PADDL). The discussion focused on the recent constitutional amendments, and PADDL’s evaluation of CTAD’s accomplishments.

The Coordinator thinks that there is a lack of political will in the Government to proceed with the decentralization program. The Minister of Decentralization has little real political power, while the relatively powerful Minister of the Interior appears not to be a big supporter of decentralization. Since this an electoral year, legislative progress will be limited.

Regarding the découpage the Coordinator said the country was not ready for it. What is needed is a study to evaluate the state of readiness of the proposed provinces in terms of buildings and potential viability. This would provide the basis for an orderly creation of new provinces in a rational sequence.

On the subject of the proposed web site for CTAD the Coordinator welcomed PBG’s initiative. He said that UNDP would like to join in this effort by supplying the services of a consultant who would develop a data base of all development activities which would be accessible on the site. It was agreed that he will share the SOW with us, and we will do the same.

Meetings held with counterpart organizations

Cellule Technique d’Appui à la Décentralisation (CTAD)

IR 3 staff had multiple meetings with CTAD during the month, starting with a meeting to identify the potential role of PBG in implementing the CTAD road map for decentralization. The team has established items in the road map which fall within the PBG Task Order, as shown on the attached table.

They also had meetings on disseminating the issues regarding decentralization using radio and web-sites (see below) and universities and private enterprise. Regarding the latter, a discussion forum is to be held in March, sponsored by the Federation of Congolese Enterprises. They are providing the venue and one of the experts, while CTAD is providing the other two experts.

PBG is also supporting similar events with four universities in Kinshasa, and two experts are being selected to lead the discussions.

The events are to be held at the following institutions:

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Institut facultaire de science de l’information et de la communication (IFASIC) Université Libre de Kinshasa (ULK) Institut superieure Agro-Vetérinaire (ISAV) Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN)

II. Programmatic Accomplishments under IR3

IR 3.2.1.3, and 3.2.12.3: Survey Feedback and Action Planning workshops:

These workshops have now been completed in Katanga – in Kolwezi, Katuba and finally Likasi. As always, these workshops were welcomed as a tool to involve civil society in the governance of their community, and to develop plans in a participatory manner.

The consultant is preparing detailed reports on each workshop and a list of projects proposed. This will enable the project to select projects for feasibility studies and possible grant funding.

IR 3.2.9.3: 3.2.9.4 and 3.2.7.3:

Training in Financial Management and Monitoring for ETDsThe first workshop in Maniema, in Bangengele, started on February 1, followed at weekly intervals by Wakabango and Alunguli.

The workshops have generated tremendous interest and have revealed the lack of suitable systems for financial management in many cases. We are currently preparing terms of reference for follow up TA and training.

IR 3.2.10.1: The role of the private sector in the provision of public services:

This study team was led by Fathi Kraiem, supported by Augustin Lumba a specialist in agriculture and legal matters, and Adele Mudipanu, a specialist in health matters and economics. They presented their findings at a report session attended by representatives of central, provincial and local government and USAID, held on 1st February at the Fleur du Sel. The report was well received, ans was followed by some lively discussion. Several contributors felt that the report should have covered more topics and wider issues, not being aware of the specific objective of the study. Others had useful points to correct or add. The final draft was received on February 18. It is hoped to have it translated shortly, to be followed by an analytical report which will concentrate on the strategic choices available to PBG and the government.

IR 3.1.2.3: Creating a UNDP website:

The purchase order for a web-master to undertake the work for a web site was signed in December. A meeting was been held with CTAD on February 8 to discuss the content and allow the consultant an opportunity to assess the client’s needs in more detail, and a meeting (reported above) was held with the UNDP to discuss collaboration in the collection of data for the site.

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PBG February 2011 Monthly Report – Page 12

Upcoming Activities (March 2011)

Timing Activity IR Location Mar 1-3 Capacity reinforcement COJESKI IR 1 Maniema

Mar 2-18 CRD Development IR 1 Maniema

Mar 4-5 Intergovernmental work group IR 3 Bandundu

Mar 7 PPP models in Kinshasa IR3 Kinshasa

Mar 9-26 PPP models IR 3 Katanga Mar 1-4 Financial Management and Budget follow-up in Ngweshe IR 3 South Kivu Mar 2-4 Grant proposal evaluation IR 1 South Kivu

Mar 2-5 Grant proposal preparation training in Kolwezi IR 1 Katanga

Mar 7-9 Grant proposal preparation training in Likasi IR 1 Katanga

Mar 2-4 Training on research and political documentation IR 2 South Kivu

Mar 8-11 Financial Management and Budget follow-up in Bukavu IR 3 Bukavu

Mar 7-11 Problems with passing laws IR 2 Katanga

Mar 8-9 Edict preparation and constitutionality analysis IR 2 Katanga

Mar 21- Follow-up on grant proposal submissions IR 1 Maniema 31 Mar 21- Local development plan Bangengele IR 3 Maniema 24

PBG February 2011 Monthly Report – Page 13

Programme de Bonne Gouvernance ENGAGE Task Order DFD-I-01-08-00071-00

Monthly Report: March 2011 Activities

PBG Background

DAI began mobilizing the Programme de Bonne Gouvernance (PBG) on October 1, 2009. With a ceiling price of $36,251,768 for a five-year (three years with two option years) program. The program purpose is to improve management capacity and accountability of select legislatures and local governments. The program focuses on three categories of partners: Parliamentary institutions at the central and provincial level Public institutions having a stake and role in decentralization; and Civil society and community-based organizations

PBG’s three Intermediate Results (IRs) are: IR 1 Citizens demand accountability IR 2 Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective IR 3 Laws, policies and procedures for decentralization established and implemented

Overall Political Context

This month was marked by the continuation of electoral revision programs, political wrangling, and insecurity in pockets of targeted provinces and women’s day/month celebrations. In Bandundu, the no-confidence vote against the governor came with a long laundry list of allegations including the following: 1) Diversion of compensation of government salaries 2) Diversion of funds collected to help epidemic victims 3) Lack of respect for budget rules 4) Violation of procurement rules 5) Misused of fund allocations for ETDs 6) Inability to mobilize funds for the province 7) Diversion of material for sent by the national ministry of infrastructure 8) Unjust and imbalanced distribution of tractors sent to the province by the central government 9) Manifest incompetence characterized by the holding of irregular meetings of the government 10) Numerous trips abroad that did not yield benefits for the province 11) Inability to generate tax revenue from corporate citizens of the province

While the list is quite comprehensive and includes serious allegations, there does not appear to have been any attempt on the part of a committee of the parliament to interrogate these allegations exhaustively before confirming the no-confidence vote. Hearings during which the details of such allegations are probed through the testimony of witnesses and other evidence would have allowed the parliament to demonstrate its competency in representing the interests of the population. This perhaps, presents an opportunity for both IRs 1 and 2 to bring their respective constituencies together to debrief the events surrounding this no- confidence motion and explore ways to strengthen the process. It is at times like this when the need for PBG flexibility to respond to such events is crucial.

Once again, the passing of women’s day and women’s month underscored the need for more concerted advocacy on issues affecting women. In all provinces, this year’s theme “Equal access to education, training and science” was emphasized. However, the majority of women historically seem, at best, superficially engaged on issues of concern to women on this day. Thus, more can be done to assist organizations focused

PBG March 2011 Monthly Report – Page 1

on women’s issues in preparing more systematically for this month in order to strengthen their advocacy efforts.

Several provincial reports highlighted the failure of educational campaigns on electoral roll revision to have an effect. Perhaps the prevailing skepticism on elections in general has dampened enthusiasm. In Bandundu, civil society focused more this month on the constitutional revision which they criticized as unconstitutional. Civil society in that province has consistently demonstrated strong cohesion which makes it a strong candidate for sharing experiences with other provinces.

In Maniema, the resumption of mining activity after the lifting of the mining ban that has been in place since September brought with it renewed calls by the government to combat illicit trading and smuggling of minerals. New trading centers aimed at minimizing illicit activity associated with artisanal mining have opened with more planned. It is not clear whether or to what extent civil society members have been engaged in the process of tracking progress in this regard. At minimum, PBG Maniema could propose this as a seminar topic for the CRD seminar series being initiated in all 4 provinces.

In Katanga, the Mayor of the City of Lubumbashi has just initiated a platform of collaboration between public authorities and a committee of community representatives near Gambela in the Commune of Lubumbashi which is plagued by serious insecurity. This represents a welcome movement in the direction of citizen engagement by government.

And finally, in one of the most disturbing incidents affecting civil society in South Kivu, among the five people killed in a spate of murders at the end of the month in Kabare, Mwenga and Uvira, one was the president a key civil society network in the area.

On the socio-economic front, rehabilitation works of urban roads of Bukavu were launched at the beginning of the month. The considerable infrastructural development and rehabilitation activity in all provinces suggests that there is a huge role for civil society to play in the monitoring of public works projects.

Key Activities and Actions by IR

IR 1 – CITIZEN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY

I. Meetings with other donor or counterpart organizations

While continued efforts to organize coordination meetings were postponed this month because of the unavailability of representatives of Christian Aid, a key collaborator, information exchanges were held with Internews whose media project is just getting underway in the same provinces targeted by PBG. Strong potential synergies emerged from the meeting including collaboration on CRDs which are also planned by Internews and media training for civil society organizations. Discussions are on-going.

In at least one of the provinces, a formal coordination platform was recently established. After three rounds of dialogue and exchange initiated by the PBG office in Maniema, the platform was created and now operates under the chairmanship of the civil affairs office of the MONUSCO. It involves international agencies and public services engaged in the implementation of various projects to support decentralization and good governance in Maniema. Participating so far in the platform are CARE, Christian AID, the Civil Affairs Section of MONUSCO, DAI and CTB.

II. Meetings with PBG partner organizations

There are on-going challenges with partner SERACOB which despite its appointment of a full-time coordinator to organize processes to support and strengthen civil society participation in thematic working PBG March 2011 Monthly Report – Page 2

groups focused on policy development and other work associated with the various ministries, no meaningful reports on this activity are forthcoming from SERACOB. The SERACOB coordinator is continuously unavailable and has not accorded the coordinator sufficient autonomy to operate independently of his direction. PBG staff will explore with SERACOB in the next reporting period ways to improve its performance.

Meetings held with SERACOB focused almost exclusively on website development which is reported on under programmatic accomplishments.

III. Programmatic Accomplishments

The main accomplishments for this month were 1) CRD development continued in two provinces (1.1.3-5); 2) Circle of Women radio broadcasts continued (1.1.3-5); 3) Good governance website development continued (1.1.3/5 & 1.2.3); 4) Provided on-going technical assistance to CSO partners (1.1.3-4); 5) Grants Management Training Workshops for CSO partners continued (1.1.3-3); and 6) The on-going work of Search for Common Ground consolidated (1.1.2-1/2).

Activity IR1.1.3 (SA5): CRD Development

Consultants’ visits to Kindu and Bukavu were completed during this period. A report of the Kindu visit was also submitted during this period. The South Kivu report is expected next month. According to the Kindu report, in evidence was a desire to have information on the concepts of decentralization and good governance and other subjects as well. The consultant visited most of the organizations working in the area of democracy and governance in the province and the majority expressed a willingness to provide resource material to the PBG CRD, including CARITAS, Care International, IFES, ProJustice, Christian Aid, FAO (who also committed to co-hosting seminars) and MONUSCO. In addition, the CRD in the province has already begun to operate now that computers and an Internet connection are in place. So far, an average visitation rate of 12 users per day has been recorded. The primary use has been noted as Internet communication and online research. Women leaders have notably been among the frequent users. Apparently during this phase of PBG, many of the CRD users used the CRD to seek information related to their grant proposals.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 (SA3): Circle of Women

The process of Cercle de Femme in Bukavu has had to be relaunched because of a change of media partners. A further orientation workshop was thus held for all the stakeholders involved, including the women leaders themselves. A broadcast of Cercle de Femme on "The Impact of International Women's Day “was produced and broadcast on both radio and television during this period. There is also evidence in Katanga that the interest in these broadcasts is increasing. For example, because of the flood of telephone calls received after the broadcast of the program regarding the electoral register, the station owner replayed the broadcast a total of 7 times! Four additional broadcasts were held in Bandundu. The first broadcast on Radio Tomisa which is based in Kikwit, focused on Women and Agricultural Resource Management. The second was broadcast from Radio SANGO MALAMU, also based in Kikwit and featured a discussion on Women and the Environment involving the head of the Gender Unit of the government there and a representative of the League of Women for Development and Democracy, LIFDED. A third broadcast from Bandunduville featured the director of the cabinet of the provincial Ministry of Gender. And a fourth, broadcast in Bukongalonzo featured two women activists. Both of the latter two broadcasts focused on violence against women.

PBG March 2011 Monthly Report – Page 3

In Maniema, on Radio Freedom, women trained by DAI were featured on a show focused on how culture influences the status of women.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3: CSO Good Governance Website Development

The launch of the website has been moved back to May as a result of a lengthier process than had been anticipated of ensuring stakeholder buy-in particularly on the side of the legislature and government. Meetings have been sought with several key ministries and parliamentary commissions in order to ensure their maximum cooperation with the site as much of the information to be shared on the site will be sourced from these entities. We also want to make doubly sure that these particular stakeholders do not feel threatened by the site as this could detrimentally affect their predisposition to cooperating. Once the channels of information sharing and government and parliamentary sources of information are clearly established through these rounds of meetings that have now extended into the April reporting period, the system of obtaining information will also become clearer. The most useful contact made so far has been with the office that links these two stakeholders together, the Ministry for Parliamentary Liaison. There website which is located at http://www.mirepa-rdc.info/index.php features what is perhaps the most accessible information made available to the public by government that we have found thus far. During the meeting, representatives of this ministry demonstrated a willingness to cooperate and collaborate on developing synergies between the two websites. Training on the technical side continued during this period and was set to be completed at the end of the second week in April. Once the training is completed, the web designer will hand over control of the site to CENADEP/PBG. In the meantime, the coordinator of the website has initiated weekly meetings. Issues discussed at the meetings have included, the establishment of a steering committee, job descriptions of all who will be involved with the website, challenges associated with obtaining government stakeholder buy-in, different models of coordination, how to make the most effective use of collaborating civil society organizations, etc.

Activity IR1.1.5 (SA2) –Grants Management

The final two grants training workshops were held in Kolwezi and Likasi. Civil society organizations in those areas have been granted an extension until April 30th to submit their proposals because of the late scheduling of their training.

Activity 1R1.1.3 (SA4): Technical Assistance to CSOs

In South Kivu during this period, TA by telephone was provided to 4 partner civil society organizations related to the process of finalizing their grant proposals.

In Katanga, technical assistance to CSOs was provided to 6 organizations, once again, primarily on grant proposal preparation.

In Bandundu, a meeting was held with organizations based in Bandunduville that had not yet submitted proposals to clarify any questions they had on proposal submission.

In Maniema, the focus was more on reviewing proposals that had already been submitted with little technical assistance provided at this stage.

PBG March 2011 Monthly Report – Page 4

Activity IR1.1.2-1/2: Search for Common Ground

Media Training and Coaching

No formal media training was organized for the month of March. However, coaching of selected media outlets in order to ensure that they caught up to other provinces with respect to the women productions was conducted.

Provincial Level Media Productions In total, 16 local production related to governance in the provinces were made. Topics ranged from police harassment in traffic and the definition of legitimate traffic fines; women in power; the absence of an organic law on gender parity; barriers to the representation of women; education benefits; and corruption at the University of Lubumbashi.

National Media Productions The following programs were broadcast during this month:

 Mopila and Abre Palabre – The various powers associated with different levels of government under decentralization.

 Jirani ni ndugu – The need for accountability on the 5 Chantiers and the duty of the government to render an accounting on the progress towards the realization of these goals; the constitutional right to free primary education and what government is doing to guarantee that right. . IR 2 – SELECTED PARLIAMENTS ARE MORE DEMOCRATIC AND EFFECTIVE

I. Meetings with other donor or counterpart organizations

Meetings held with other donors to try to harmonize the activities for the National Assembly.

European Union: The collaboration required to implement a joint training committee for the PAJ could lead to a question of timing.

DFID: Collaboration within the context of strengthening the Parliamentary Staff Association and the strengthening of the administrative staff of Provincial Assemblies. An agreement was reached between the PBG and DFID to organize a workshop on the training of trainers for 2 staff members per province. The internship and training will focus on writing parliamentary documents.

Westminster Foundation: see the above collaboration with DIFID.

CTB: Harmonization of the training program for PA staff of provincial and cooperation in the shared target provinces (Maniema and Bandundu).

II. IR 2 Programmatic Accomplishments

Katanga:

Activity IR2.2.2.1 Writing Workshop edicts and analysis of constitutional

On March 7-9, the consultant Ambroise Kamukuny conducted a workshop on the drafting of edicts and analysis of PBG March 2011 Monthly Report – Page 5

their constitutionality. This workshop was attended by 51 people including 20 PA members. One important element should be noted; on March 8th, when all PA members and their administrative staff were instructed to participate in a demonstration organized by the province authorities, the workshop participants preferred to decline. Preferring to attend the workshop. They have displayed great interest in this workshop. Among the recommendations made at the end of this activity included a proposal to organize a similar workshop at the beginning of the next term. Another recommendation was to create Provincial journal official for the publication of the edicts. In summary, workshop participants expressed their satisfaction at the end of it.

Activity IR2.2.1-4 Technical Assistance in connection with the passage of laws

On March 8-10, Professor Bob Kabamba undertook the task of identifying local experts capable of providing technical assistance to PA committees Katanga on identified priority matters. For this purpose, he met with the Assembly Bureau, as well as some Lubumbashi academic authorities and civil society members.

South Kivu:

Activity IR2.1.16-1 2.1.17.1 Training Seminar on accessing and utilizing research information

On March 2-5, a workshop was held in Bukavu, on Access to Research in politics and its use in Parliament. This workshop was facilitated by Joseph and Danny Cimbalanga and attended by XXXX people of whom XXXX were PA members. Participants expressed their sincere appreciation for the quality of the training and stated that they appreciated the content and methodology of the participatory work. They said they learned a lot and have expressed regret at having received such training so near the end of term. One of the participants, the Deputy Mushonio for example, state that saw its usefulness for conducting research, not only for editing but also for all aspects of being a parliamentarian.

Maniema:

Activity IR2.1.6-2 Review of Rules of Procedure of Meetings

Francis Buhendwa conducted this work on March 28-30. He met the PA President, members of the permanent Bureau and worked with the Bureau of studies to assist them in identifying problems that the members have encountered in connection with the application of the internal rules of their assembly. Due to the busy legislative schedule, further technical assistance will be organized in Maniema because the PA members could not free up enough time to complete this activity.

Bandundu:

Because of the time-consuming control mechanism leading to the impeachment of the Governor, activities were curtailed to the following this period.

Activity IR2.3.5-2 Assist at least one committee in each province

Assistance to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (2.3.5.2 Assist at least one committee) Support was provided in the following manner:

 Logistics and Material Support: Provision of a meeting room in the PBG office, office supplies, website access for research, coffee break.  Technical Assistance: The Governance Advisor and the Sectoral Expert on Agriculture and Natural Resources assisted the Parliamentary committee members in preparing an edict which would provide for levying a tax on REGEDESO services. Mr. Nelson Sana, the PBG expert has provided technical explanations

PBG March 2011 Monthly Report – Page 6

on how the REGEDESO is organized to work and quality of water which should be supplied to the population.

The first meeting was held on March 25. The meeting agenda covered 3 points with PA Member BAPEKE questioning the Provincial Director of REGIDESO on provisioning the city with water an invitation extended to the SNEL Provincial Director electricity to discuss the provisioning of electricity and a review of the construction of a municipal abattoir. This meeting included five participants, 3 PA members, a member of the research department of the Provincial Assembly and the secretary of the commission.

The second meeting was held on March 26 and had one item on the agenda; questioning the Cadastre (land registry) Division Chief. It was attended by 3 members, the office manager of real estate securities, a member of the research department of the provincial assembly, and the secretary of the commission.

The third meeting was held on March 28 with as an item on the agenda the invitation of two Provincial Directors of REGIDESO and SNEL for responding to oral questions initiated by committee members. It was attended by the Provincial Director of REGIDESO and 3 technicians, the Provincial Director of SNEL and 3 of his staff, 5 PA members, the Civil Society President, a member of the research department of PA and secretary and the commission secretary.

IR 3 – LAWS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR DECENTRALIZATION ESTABLISHED & IMPLEMENTED

I. Meetings held with other donors

DFID: On March 3, the IR Team Leader met with Carine Escoffier to discuss their governance program, and to hear about their realigned program to be implemented by UNDP. They had (confidentially) expressed concern over the slow rate of implementation the high cost of some aspects of the project. Their recent review was designed to address these concerns and to revitalize program management. They have also decided to demand more concrete results from CTAD.

From now on, their program will devote fewer resources to local development planning and more to provincial financial management. They are also preparing to document lessons learned from their Local Development Planning experiences, and to complete and disseminate a series of development guidelines (including supervision, budgeting and accounting for ETDs, project management, equipment management, the roles of elected representatives and civil society)

II. Meetings held with counterpart organizations

Cellule Technique d’Appui à la Décentralisation (CTAD): The most important event of the month was the first meeting of a working group on Local Government Decentralization which is being coordinated by CTAD. It was held on March 31 at the Ministry of Decentralization.

The meeting was an opportunity for the Ministry to disseminate the Priority Action Plans for implementation of the Cadre Stratégique de Mise en œuvre de la Décentralisation (CSMOD) which had just been approved by an Interministerial working group on March 24. CTAD plans to hold bilateral meetings with the donors to obtain feedback and determine what components they are willing to finance. A national workshop to validate the plan is being planned.

Two concerns were raised by those attending the meeting. The first was the lack of reference to local elections, and the second was the fact that many activities were linked to the Caisse de Péréquation, (Equalization fund) although the legislation to establish it has not yet been adopted.

PBG March 2011 Monthly Report – Page 7

The meeting was attended by UNDP, DFID, the EU and PBG.

The IR3 Team also held meetings with CTAD on disseminating the issues regarding decentralization using radio and web-sites (see below) and universities and private enterprise. The discussion forum to be sponsored by the Federation of Congolese Enterprises, which had been proposed by FEC to be held in March, was postponed at their request. They are providing the venue and one of the experts, while CTAD is providing the other two experts. The appointment of consultants to conduct university discussions is in progress.

III. Programmatic Accomplishments under IR3

Activities IR 3.2.1-3 and 3.2.12-3 Survey Feedback and Action Planning workshops:

This component of the project was completed this month. Workshops were held in Maniema for the three ETDs, namely Bangengele, Wakabongo and Alunguli. Once more, due to cancellations regarding MONUSCO bookings and flights, the workshop scheduled for Wakabongo on March 14 had to be postponed until March 23. As always, these workshops were welcomed as a tool to involve civil society in the governance of their community, and to develop plans in a participatory manner.

The consultant is preparing detailed reports on each workshop and a list of projects proposed. This will enable the project to select projects for feasibility studies and possible grant funding.

Activities IR 3.2.9-3, 3.2.9-4 and 3.2.7-3Training in Financial Management and Monitoring for ETDs

This component of the project was completed during this month. Workshops to be held in the last province to benefit from this training, South Kivu, were completed in Ngweshe and Bukavu.

The importance of this work is that it is laying the groundwork for increased involvement of civil society in local budgeting and financial management. It is hoped that the increased transparency will reduce corruption. A follow- up activity to build on the results of these workshops is being planned, together with two detailed case studies in selected ETDs.

Activity IR3.2.10-1 Public Private Partnerships in the delivery of services at the local level

A small team, led by Christian Arundel of RTI supported by Ignace Panu undertook a study in the three selected ETDs in Katanga, Katuba (Lubumbashi), Likasi and Kolwezi. The work began on March 7, and the main fieldwork was completed on March 19. A debriefing was held at USAID with Agathe Tshimpanga on March 22, and the final report is expected shortly.

In essence the findings of the mission were:  The public sector at the local and provincial levels expressed tremendous interest in the possibilities of PPPs.  There are substantial amounts of money being devoted by the mining companies to social projects such as schools, markets, parks and health centers, but they prefer to donate funds to construct/support such facilities rather than invest.  Other private enterprises are very cautious about entering into partnerships due to the lack of trust between themselves and the government.  Some proposals were identified which could provide for suitable projects, but there is a lack of understanding about how the partnerships would be structured and the roles of the parties.  Civil society might have a role to play in the management of some projects, thus creating a hybrid version.

PBG March 2011 Monthly Report – Page 8

The next step is to identify champions in each ETD who can be invited to participate in a training workshop in Lubumbashi, together with consultants (to be appointed) on the subject of the project identification and preparation process for PPPs.

ActivityIR3.1.2.3 Creating a UNDP website Work has continued on this. The model for the site was presented to CTAD by the consultant on March 31, and was accepted as being a good start. Currently the emphasis is on populating the site. UNDP is to appoint a consultant to assemble Provincial and Local development plans and other development-related documents for inclusion on the site.

Activity IR3.1.7-4 Promote discussion of decentralization through the media

Three radio stations have been selected as candidates for this task, and are to make their financial and technical offers by April 5.

The selected candidates are Radio Okapi, Tropicana FM and B.One.

Activity IR3.5.3-4 Round Table of Women Leaders

The second Round Table was held on March 17 and 18. A total of 30 women attended. A representative of UNDP also attended, and stated that they might be able to support some of the proposed activities in the Provinces.

The main objective of the meeting was to establish the constitution and to elect a national executive committee for the daily management of the network and begin the process of implementing its action plan. This focuses on activities and strategies that will combat the negative social and institutional practices hindering the full participation of women in national life and sustainable development. During the Round Table’s first day four working groups were formed to reflect on the status and standing orders. On the second day, the number of groups was increased to 5 to develop priority action plans. Having done so, there remains only the elected national executive committee to take charge of drafting the document and program planning activities identified as the first priority need. The committee is composed of: 1. Chair: Angel Bulemie 2. A Vice President: Jeanne Tunda 3. A Vice President of Finance: Gabrielle Kamonimwanza 4. Secretary General: Prof. Brigitte Nkoo 5. Deputy Secretary General: Jeanine 6. Treasurer General: Sangana 7. Deputy Treasurer: Angelique Matuta 8. Three co-opted advisors: Professor Kibanda, Mrs Faida Mwangila and Jean Nkuli.

Each Province has a “focal point” person mandated to sustain the network in the provinces. The meeting proposed that focal points should be considered provincial presidents and assigned the task of reproducing the same structure at the provincial level. It was recommended that management of the network in the provinces should take into account local realities and add representation at local level. Other issues were discussed in plenary resulting in the following recommendations:  That the status of members who may become liabilities, for any reason, be specified in the statute and rules of procedure,  That the constitution should be notarized without delay,  That the National Executive Committee should develop a manual of financial procedures.  That the National Executive Committee should finalize the document quickly to enable the provincial committees to implement the activities identified without delay,  Various committees should be established to engage in research activities,

PBG March 2011 Monthly Report – Page 9

 That the network headquarters should be temporarily in the building of the Ministry of Budget where the Chair of the National Executive Committee is based.

Upcoming Activities (April 2011)

Timing Activity IR Location 4/4 Debate on the choice of leaders: a blank check? IR1 Maniema

4/6 Computer training on the initiation of windows IR1 South Kivu

4/6 Review of the Internal regulations and procedure manuals in SK PA IR2 South Kivu

4/ 7-4/8 Development of a procedures manual PA Bandundu IR2 Bandundu 4/ 18-4/20 Installing and configuration of computers in the South Kivu CRD IR1 South Kivu

4/6-4/30 Development of a web site IR1 Kinshasa

4/12-4/14 Examination of internal procedures of the APs IR2 Bandundu

4/ 11-4/13 Computer training on the initiation of WORD IR1 Maniema

4/11-4/13 Installing and configuration of computers in the Katanga CRD IR1 Katanga

4/11-4/13 Computer training on the initiation of WORD IR1 South Kivu

4/18-4/20 Computer training on the initiation of WORD IR1 Bandundu

4/18-4/20 Training on financial and legislative autonomy IR2 South Kivu

4/21-4/22 Workshop on installation an evaluation and lobbying system IR1 Maniema

4/25-4/26 Computer training on the initiation of windows for PA and Government IR1 Maniema officials 4/29 Reflections on mobilizing the masses and education and awareness- IR1 Maniema building 4/29 Discussions between CSO partners on opportunities for lobbying and IR1 South Kivu complementary actions

PBG March 2011 Monthly Report – Page 10

Programme de Bonne Gouvernance ENGAGE Task Order DFD-I-01-08-00071-00

Monthly Report: April 2011 Activities

PBG Background

DAI began mobilizing the Programme de Bonne Gouvernance (PBG) on October 1, 2009. With a ceiling price of $36,251,768 for a five-year (three years with two option years) program. The program purpose is to improve management capacity and accountability of select legislatures and local governments. The program focuses on three categories of partners: Parliamentary institutions at the central and provincial level Public institutions having a stake and role in decentralization; and Civil society and community-based organizations

PBG’s three Intermediate Results (IRs) are: IR 1 Citizens demand accountability IR 2 Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective IR 3 Laws, policies and procedures for decentralization established and implemented

Overall Political Context

Election Dates Announced The election date announcement during this period has clearly set in motion planning on the part of civil society. Most of the reports from the 4 provinces targeted by PBG cite activities related to election preparations that involve civil society groups. In Bandundu for example, civil society organizations were invited by the electoral commission in the province to undertake a mapping of awareness on the electoral register in different districts and different municipalities of the city and its environs. Once again, there is a clear need to anticipate the possibility of PBG’s civil society partners being distracted by election-related activities. A decision should be taken regarding whether to simply continue activities not related to the elections or to explore ways to be responsive to civil society’s desire to be active in election preparation. In other countries, advocacy support projects of USAID have complemented the work of USAID’s election implementation partners by focusing on advocacy for ensuring certain issues are addressed in the campaign context. This could be considered in this context.

Dates for the local elections have also been set. These which had previously been set down for 2013 have now been brought back to June 2012 for Provincial Deputies and Councilors, with indirect elections for Bourgmestres, and Chiefs of Secteurs to be held in September 2012, and Mayors in December 2012. Indirect elections for Governors are to be held in September 2012.

Opposition activist assassinated in Kadutu The leadership of the Union pour la Nation Congolaise (UNC) party led by Vital Kamerhe has made a plea for better security for its members in the wake of the assassination of a leading member of its party from Kadutu. According to spokespersons, apart from the assassination, several other members have been beaten, harassed or intimidated. This incident makes a strong case for a strong electoral peace campaign by civil society organizations and for an advocacy campaign targeted at elections officials and the ruling party to end impunity and maintain the rule of law in order to create conditions necessary for peaceful campaign and election periods.

Upheaval in Bandundu over reinstatement of governor After being impeached for corruption, mismanagement and embezzlement by the Provincial Assembly of Bandundu during the last reporting period, Governor Richard Ndambu was reinstated by the Supreme Court PBG April 2011 Monthly Report – Page 1

during this reporting period. Instead of addressing the charges, the court upheld the reinstatement on procedural grounds. Ensuing riots left at least 3 people dead and extensive property damage. Once again, the public has responded to a prevailing sense of impunity. Moreover, the on-going tension between the executive and the electorate does not bode well for upcoming elections. Support for organizing strategy sessions among civil society to explore ways of addressing impunity may be in order, perhaps through combining the efforts of PBG and DPK.

Banro and China Gold in Maniema and South Kivu The Canadian company Banro signed a memorandum of understanding with China Gold under which the latter would jointly develop Banro properties in DRC. The MOU is non-binding and possibly a prelude to a joint-venture agreement under which the parties would cooperate on the development of Banro's Twangiza property, including the proposed Phase 2 mine and the related proposed hydro power project. The MOU also provides that the parties intend to extend the cooperation to Banro's other properties located along the Twangiza-Namoya gold belt.

It would not be too early at this stage for civil society in Maniema and South Kivu to begin monitoring this process. PBG will explore possibilities for involving unsuccessful grant applicants in such an exercise.

Governor offers farmland to large agriculture businesses Moise Katumbi, governor of Katanga has offered about 14 million hectares of farmland to large-scale farmers to boost agriculture in the province. Given the province’s heavy dependence on minerals as its revenue base, he claims the move comes out of recognition of the need to diversify into agriculture in order to become self sufficient.

Katumbi said the land became available following an agreement with local tribal chiefs, who are custodians of the land. Interesting to note is his comment that the future of the province was in “agriculture and not mining.” He said that farmers who take up the offer would also be offered tax breaks. Once again this is an opportunity for civil society in the province to lobby for agreements that would encourage the participation of small scale farmers through skills transfer schemes and other arrangements.

Key Activities and Actions by IR

IR 1 – CITIZEN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY Meetings with other donor or counterpart organizations Several meetings were held this month with international institutions whose work may offer possibilities for collaboration. The IR1 team met with representatives of the World Bank Institute whose project aimed at linking civil society to technology tools that can advance their advocacy work offers possible synergies with the planned website project as well as the proposed anti-corruption program that may also rely on telecommunications. Aside from continuing to share information, the Institute’s information technology experts have agreed to assist PBG in optimizing the effectiveness of its website. PBG also met with the head of the Franco-Congolese Chamber of Commerce which has expressed an interest in supporting a multi-sector dialogue. Discussions are on-going on possible synergies. PBG also exchanged information with the Woodrow Wilson Leadership Training Program and with the Carter Center. Plans were made to continue these exchanges upon the return of the respective directors of these organizations to Kinshasa.

Meetings with PBG partner organizations SERACOB-PBG continues to support, through SERACOB the participation of civil society in the thematic working (TWG) group process which is coordinated by the Minister of Plan. The on-going challenge has been to identify ways and means to add value to this process given that SERACOB lacks a clear road map for doing so but at the same time appears disinclined to permit PBG experts other than its close network of consultants to be more PBG April 2011 Monthly Report – Page 2

intimately involved in the process. Thus, in the last meeting held with SERACOB at the end of the month, the PBG team posed the following questions to SERACOB. 1) From where does SERACOB derive its mandate to coordinate civil society participation in the thematic group process; 2) What are its clear objectives for civil society participation in the TWG process; and 3) How can the larger PBG team add value to this process so that PBG can be assured that its support for the process is making an impact. According to SERACOB representatives, SERACOB was identified as the appropriate coordinator by BTC and then endorsed by civil society at an organizational meeting. A steering committee has been established that meets twice monthly. PBG has asked to meet with members of that committee and SERACOB has agreed. Given that SERACOB had no clear answers on concrete objectives, PBG proposed and SERACOB accepted to organize a monitoring and evaluation training session for the team leaders of each of the civil society teams participating in the TWGs. It is hoped that this can be organized by the end of this month and that PBG can help the OSC participants in the TWGs define concrete objectives for their participation and identify clear indicators for success. It is further proposed that PBG use the website as a tool to monitor the performance of civil society in these groups.

PBG which is supporting the salary of SERACOB’s PBG coordinator has also required monthly reports from SERACOB that, in addition to providing information on the activity of working groups, are also expected to report on general activity of civil society at national level. The aim here is to better position PBG to stay abreast of current preoccupations, activities and issues arising for civil society at national level. The most recent report for April reports on a meeting launching an initiative that will enable civil society to better access information on World Bank projects in DRC and monitor their implementation.

According to the report, this activity was an opportunity for civil society organizations concerned to make recommendations to the World Bank on this question. It was noted that given the absence of freedom of information laws in the DRC and 7 other African countries participating in this initiative, it is difficult to access information on how WB funds are being managed from the government’s side. However, from its side, the WB will provide information and possibly training to civil society organizations on monitoring and evaluation of project implementation.

SERACOB also reported on civil society exchanges with the independent electoral commission on the upcoming elections and the minister of planning on the better integration of issues directly affecting local communities into the National Strategy for Poverty Reduction in DRC. SERACOB also reports that it has begun a process of establishing provincial committees linked to the thematic working groups. So far committees have been established in Kinshasa, Ecuador, North Kivu and Kasai Occidental. They have been supported in this undertaking by MONUSCO.

CENADEP-In a meeting held with CENADEP, concern was expressed by its director that CENADEP may not have the technical infrastructure to support the website. However, since the website has yet to be launched, and the focus this month was mostly on webmaster training and the continuation of protocol meetings with government representatives, it was not clear during this reporting period how much of a problem this poses in reality.

Programmatic Accomplishments The main accomplishments for this month were 1) CRD got underway in some provinces(1.1.3-5); 2) Circle of Women radio broadcasts continued (1.1.3-5); 3) Good governance website development continued with webmaster training and protocol meetings 4) Grants Review and preliminary selection (1.1.3-3); 5) Audiences Publique held (1.2.2-2); and 6) The work of Search for Common Ground continued (1.1.2-1/2).

Activity IR1.1.3 (SA5): CRD Development

In all CRDs, the technical equipment has finally been installed.

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A final report was received from the consultant who had been deployed to South Kivu and Katanga to support CRD development. Highlights from that report include: Including a communications feature (the proposition of Internews mentioned below could be responsive here) Pooling resources with other organizations Having a single centralized catalogue which details material (both in hard and soft copy form) held in all 4 CRDs. Developing a material acquisition policy but prioritizing electronic-based material.

The consultant also offered advice on spatial reconfiguration at the two offices he visited.

Internews has proposed to share the PBG space in at least 1 of its 4 CRDs. In Bukavu in particular where there is the most surplus space, it is proposed that the two organizations can share the common areas such as the conference room and libraries and Internet café. Internews has the need only for one small recording area. Under this arrangement excellent synergies can be established between community radio stakeholders, civil society and even deputies who can be interviewed by both civil society and radio journalists.

CRD training activities have also kicked off in Katanga where, during this period, a training program on basic concepts of computing brought together 11 representatives of the Assembly and the Provincial Government and PBG CSO partners.

And in Maniema activities have taken off and the number of users is growing. In particular, the PBG team organized several seminars during this period featuring the following subjects:

Issues and Challenges of Decentralization in Maniema: This theme was presented by Kalume Lamulamu, director of Maniema Province - 8/31 (women/men);

Participatory Governance: Challenges and Prospects for Women of Maniema. This meeting was moderated by Ms. NGEREZA; Advisor to the Governor on Gender. At this meeting, participants came to the conclusion that more strategies are needed on how to create greater access to decision-making positions by women in the province. 14/18 (women/men);

Political tolerance before, during and after the elections: The Rev. Pastor Kalema of the United Methodist Church spoke to the participants on the need for peaceful elections in Maniema given the tensions recently between the ruling parties on the one hand and the opposition on the other. Among the participants were leaders of political parties operating in Maniema namely, PPRD UDEMO, RCA, MSR and NAD. 6/48 (women/men)

Choice of leaders and elections – a blank check: Monsignor Masimango Katanda of the Anglican Church, presented on this theme. He noted in particular the on-going communication gap between elected officials and the public. Members of political parties also attended this meeting. 7/35 (women/men)

Finally, Maniema, as with Katanga, also conducted what is intended to be a regular feature in all of the CRDs – basic computer and Internet training. Towards the latter part of the month, 17 people attended a training program on Windows, including members of the provincial government and the provincial assembly. It should be noted that this training has generated significant interest on the part of participants who have requested training on other aspects of information technology.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 (SA3): Circle of Women

In Katanga, the Circle of Women Broadcasts continued on Radio Jua with a broadcast featuring a discussion on the lack of significant presence of women in the media. The program which aired twice during the month and was the fourth produced in the series. It featured 3 women journalists from two local channels discussing the issue. Just after the program aired, many calls from the audience were received.

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Activity IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3: CSO Good Governance Website Development

The major activities undertaken associated with the website were 1) the formal training of webmasters and 2) additional meetings held with government officials. The website coordinator and 2 other members of the CENADEP staff participated in a 10 day training course spread over a 3 week period during this month. The training was provided by the web designer hired to initiate and design the site. According to an agreement with the web designer, PBG is to take over the website beginning next month now that the training has been completed. At the end of the training all participants which also included webmasters who will administer the IR3 website on decentralization presented a mock site that they designed and also received certificates.

Activity IR1.1.5 (SA2): Grants Review

As the deadline for responses to the PBG grant proposal solicitation was March 31st (April 30th for 2 towns in Katanga), much of the month of April was spent reviewing the proposals received. A total of 44 proposals were received. Issues addressed in the proposals included, among others, women’s health, budget execution, forest management, illegal market taxes, anti-corruption, promoting a culture of exchange between the population and elected officials, decentralization and agriculture. While the overwhelming nature of the response was encouraging, PBG staff members were disappointed in the general lack of responsiveness of the proposals to the grant solicitation. While the grant solicitation was very specific regarding the need for the proposals to focus particularly on advocacy, many of the proposals focused instead on civic education and awareness-building. It is clear from this result that the concept of advocacy is still new in the DRC and more must be done to orient our partners around this concept. As we move to the experiential learning phase with the implementation of the grants, this will be an opportunity to provide the necessary orientation through actual practice as opposed to theory. Several potential grantees whose proposals were otherwise well presented have been asked to refocus them more towards advocacy.

Activity 1R1.2.2 (SA2): Audiences Publique at Provincial Level

In Bandundu, a very successful audience publique was held in the plenary hall of the provincial legislature. The fact that the provincial government agreed to host the meeting was itself a major achievement towards encouraging interchange among the public, civil society and elected officials. The theme of the AP was management of services in the province. The event attracted an audience of 122 and featured the participation of the provincial minister of social affairs, the president of the assembly, and several other deputies. The local PBG team members in Bandundu were particularly struck by the strong sense of ownership exhibited by stakeholders despite the fact that the event was initiated by PBG staff. This is a testament to the strong preparatory work in brining stakeholders on board before the event itself. During the meeting civil society members and the public were invited to present on their experiences with public services. Particular attention was paid to burial issues. The minister was able to clarify legal procedures on this issue and according to PBG staff; the public seemed satisfied with his presentation. An audience publique was also held during this period in Katanga focused on the reinsertion underage mothers into schools and socio-professional life.

Activity IR1.1.2-1/2: Search for Common Ground

A senior member of SFCG’s technical team traveled to Bukavu during this period to work with the PBG team there as well as media partners, Visions Shala and Radio Star, with whom they planned and production and broadcasts for the months April and May 2011.

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Television productions were developed during this period for broadcast at a later date. Two circle of Women broadcasts for this province were planned for May.

In Bandundu SFCG conducted a 6-day training program on writing for radio. This was conducted by those who write for SFCGs radio drama Mopila. The aim of this exercise was to transfer skills to local broadcasters in order to enable them to develop their own radio dramas. The beneficiaries were Bandundu Radio FM, Amen FM, and Bangu Nzonda radio. The training was attended by 12 leaders.

In total, 24 local productions related to governance and women were conducted during the month of April in all four provinces. The breakdown is as follows:

Bukavu: 8 productions with Vision TV and Radio Star Shala; Kindu: 4 TV Productions Maniema Radio Liberty: Bandundu: 4 Productions FM Radio BANDUNDU; Lubumbashi: 8 Productions JUA TV and Radio.

National programs produced included programs on both in discussion and radio drama format:

Coexistence between elected and customary power; Management of municipal resources between ETDs;

SFCG also held formal meetings with the team in Bukavu to develop a contemporaneous evaluation system that will involve the use of focus groups hosted at PBG offices, listening to the broadcasts as they happen and providing their immediate reactions. It is expected that other provinces will follow suit.

IR 2 – SELECTED PARLIAMENTS ARE MORE DEMOCRATIC AND EFFECTIVE

Meetings with other donor or counterpart organizations

PBG IR2 representatives participated in a donor coordination meeting in support of parliaments, the meeting which was coordinated by UNDP helped to build a consensus on donors’ priorities for the period preceding the elections. Taking into account that national MPs and Senators are currently invested in their election campaigns, all donors should concentrate on activities that guide national efforts at the national level that benefit of staff members, and resume building activities after the legislative elections. Regarding the provincial level, donors agree that the destination activities of members can be kept depending on the demand and interest. However, it is wise to be careful not to be exploited in activities that could serve as the campaign members.

At PBG’s initiative, a partnership has emerged between the PBG, the Westminster Foundation, DAI Europe, UNDP and RCPP (Congolese Network for Parliamentary Staff). Coordination meetings have led to an internship in the National Parliament for 2 staff members from each provincial Services des séances, Greffes or Commissions. The objective of this program is to strengthen the capacity of provincial staffs to draft parliamentary documents. Trainees from all provinces of the DRC will be immersed in the Parliament's services and participate in plenary meetings, committees, work on reports, annals, notes for parliamentary committees. The course will be complemented by a training of trainers so that participants can return to disseminate and implement the achievements of the course.

IR2 staff also engaged in various contacts with the European Union to share the Ray Short’s IT needs report for on National Parliament and discuss opportunities to collaborate in the provision of logistical

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support to Parliament.

Contacts were also maintained with UNDP and the BTC (Belgian Technical Collaboration) for the implementation of joint activities. Regarding UNDP, meetings were scheduled to focus on providing technical assistance to the PAJ to examine the new draft electoral law. These meetings were cancelled of due to political sensitivity associated with this law; however, the PAJ has received the requested technical assistance from UNDP.

IR 2 Programmatic Accomplishments

South Kivu:

Activity IR2.3.1-2: Introductory Seminar on the mechanisms of constitutional control

Professor Kamukuny facilitated this seminar on April 1- 4 which equipped the beneficiaries of the control mechanisms provided by the Constitution to allow members to exercise more effective control of government actions. It was attended by 61 people, including 10 provincial assembly members who participated actively. Beyond the basic constitutional concepts, the workshop focused on the critical analysis of control mechanisms already achieved at the PA and the analysis of control tools found in the the PA’s internal rules. The workshop participants were very satisfied with the practical nature of this training and the prospects for direct applications.

Activity IR2.2.1-4: Technical assistance in drafting Edicts

Under the Technical Assistance Commission in charge of socio-cultural health issues, The PBG has assisted in the drafting of a proposed edict to organize mutual health care in the South Kivu Province. The assistance mechanism in place provided  Technical expertise from the PBG sector specialist;  Review, constitutional analysis and rewriting by a PBG the consultant, Mr. Katuala, Senior Advocate of the Republic;  Submission by the consultant of proposed revisions to the PA;  A meeting was held between the consultant and PA members to discuss the harmonization of views;

Within the framework of this venture, the South Kivu PA expressed the desire to vote on this edict by the end of the parliamentary session scheduled for April 15. On Wednesday, April 6 April, the PBG was summoned to coordinate an encounter between Mr. Katuala and the Commission to finalize the edict in order to submit it to the PA on Monday, April 11 for its inclusion on the agenda of the final plenary.

Due to logistical constraints which made it impossible to arrange a physical meeting, PBG proposed remote technical support by arranging a Conference call between the PBG's offices in Bukavu and Kinshasa. On Saturday, April 9, a workshop on the preparation of the draft decree on mutual health was attended by 13 persons including 3 provincial assembly members and 9 members of their staff, an adviser to the provincial ministry of health staff and PBG team members. The conference call was held at the beginning of the workshop. The 13 participants from Bukavu could share their views directly with the consultant Katuala, the legislative advisor and his assistant. They benefited from remote technical assistance has continued with the work that led to the submission to the PA of the draft edict on

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Monday morning the Assembly for a vote in plenary.

The level of commitment and openness of committee members is exemplary. They not only agreed to conduct a totally unknown work exercise (use of new technologies) but they agreed to work on a Saturday night leading to a vote on this edict in compliance with the PA’s rules. Also note that this edict was also supported by civil society and representatives of the Provincial Government.

Activity IR2.1.3-3 Workshop on the financial autonomy of the provinces

This 2-day workshop was well attended by 57 people, including 10 deputies. The objectives of the training were to:

 Make the Provincial Assembly more conscious of their role in the materialization of financial autonomy which is granted by the Constitution;  Provide the PA with the tools that should enable it to perform optimally with financial autonomy.

Participants regretted delays in the implementation of the decentralization process, arguing that at this stage it is more theory than fact. They believe that the responsibility lies with the central government which does not provide the provinces with the opportunity to exercise their financial independence. The training helped to highlight that the exercise of exclusive provincial jurisdiction that is not necessarily dependent on the central government. Participants found that the law grants them with rights that are not dependent on the will of the national government and that it was in their interest to actually understand and exercise these rights.

At the end of the workshop, one of the MPs said: "What we understand now is that if power is enshrined in a statute, it is not mere theory, because it gives us the rights to exercise this power, if not then demand it. We also understand that we can mobilize resources in the Province and fiscal transparency is beneficial."

Activity 2.1.3-4: Technical Assistance to the Bureau of the Parliament and the administrative staff of Finance on the management of the Assembly’s internal budget

From April 21 to 22, 2011, the PBG consultant, Abraham Djamba provided technical assistance to 22 participants including 5 MPs (members of the board and the commission ECOFIN and officers directly involved in the expenditure chain).

The assistance has focused notably on the PA’s budget’s contents responsibilities involved in its preparation, the importance of the budget classification, procedures for expenditure execution and particularly the public expenditure chain.

This activity revealed that there were many anomalies in the PA’s financial management: the procedures are not clearly known by all, the Assembly's budget depends solely on the percentage of retrocession paid to it by the Central Government, thus putting the Assembly in a situation of dependence vis-à-vis Kinshasa, the belief that financial independence means the exemption of budget execution controls, the existence of a "Ordinance Center" and that the organization violated the principle of separation of responsibilities.

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The PA President, who participated the technical assistance meeting said they learned new techniques and procedures which they will apply throughout their operations in the preparation of revised financial and budgetary regulations. A request for specific support has been made to the PBG for this activity. The technical staff in Kinshasa is currently responsible for analyzing the regulations to advise how they can be improved and procedures can be clarified.

Activity IR2.1.6: Review of the Internal Rules of Procedures of the Provincial Assembly of Sud-Kivu

On April 3-6, the PBG Legislative Advisor and her deputy conducted working meetings with Vice- President, Director of Administration and the Director of Cabinet of the President of the Provincial Assembly of South Kivu in order to improve the rules of legal, administrative and financial regulations of the PA. During these meetings efforts were made to establish mechanisms aimed at enabling civil society to influence the legislative process and strengthen the roles of "Control and Representation' of members. In regard to the financial and administrative regulations, it is to increase transparency and efficiency of the PA’s internal management.

Technical assistance was followed by two working sessions between the PBG Deputy Legislative Advisor and members of the Research Bureau. The rules of procedure that should be reviewed as well as those of legal and financial regulations that have posed difficulties for the PA in recent years were reviewed The document produced during these sessions has since been enhanced by the IR2 team in Kinshasa.

On Friday, April 29, the PBG Deputy Legislative Advisor met the with the Vice-President of the Provincial Assembly and the Chairman of the PAJ Committee to prepare for a workshop is scheduled from May 2 in order to review this improved document.

Bandundu:

Activity IR2.1.6.-3: Technical Assistance to develop procedures manuals

Two working sessions were held on the restitution and the presentation of an archive management system for the Bandundu Provincial Assembly.

The first working session held April 6, 2011 in the Bandundu CRD was attended by 30 people, all administrative staff for an upgrade and an appropriate explanation of various internally produced procedural documents. Over 111 people took part in the work of restoration and presentation of the archive management system. The installation of this management system the Provincial Assembly of Bandundu allows the staff to apply the theories learned in archival techniques.

Regarding the presentation of the management system records of the Bandundu PA, PBG / Bandundu learned an important lesson that one must always think about the qualitative result when an activity is organized; inviting recipients to feel a sense of ownership. But also see how to install at the ETD level and at the provincial level robust mechanisms for post workshop monitoring which will enable PBG to measure the impact of its actions on the ground.

Activity 2.3.5.-2: Assist at least one committee The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a working meeting in the Bandundu CRD on

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April 6 and then another meeting dated 07 April to allow members of the Committee to discuss the current subjects that they were dealing with.

The lowered tax rates and royalties to be collected at the initiative of the Department of Land Affairs was the main topic in the agenda of such exchanges.

Note that the work of this commission have benefited from the participation of four members of South Kivu, including a woman, in exchange trip in the province of Bandundu.

Activity 2.2.1-4: Technical assistance in drafting Edicts

Within the context of support to the drafting of edicts concerning the process of decentralization, PBG supported the Bandundu PA who has expressed the need to draft an Edit which would organize the distribution of revenues between the provincial government and ETDs.

Logic suggests that this edict is the continuation of the national law on "nomenclature revenues and their distribution among different levels." This law essential to the achievement of decentralization has unfortunately been removed from the national legislative agenda. There is little chance it will be adopted before the end of the term, for lack of political will.

However, the law on the free administration of the provinces set the ability of provinces to determine a distribution mechanism vis-à-vis the SED, provided that it does not conflict with national law. Support the provinces in this direction will perhaps revive the debate at the provincial level. Katanga Province has also requested support for the PBG in a similar edition. Mr. Kitale Bandundu, currently “Questeur” of the Assembly, submitted the first draft of its proposal of the edict to PBG several months ago. It has already undergone several rounds of technical assistance and has been entrusted to the consultant Katwala and is currently in the proofreading and rewriting phase. A session of remote technical assistance has been organized between Kitale and the Deputy Legislative Advisor in our offices in Bandundu and Mr. Katuala and Legislative Advisor in our office in Kinshasa. The conference call helped to clarify the last remaining issues to be clarified before submitting the proposal to Edit in the Assembly. The next parliamentary session is expected to adopt this proposed edit.

Activity 2.1.6.-2: Review of internal procedures of the Provincial Assembly

During a visit to Bandundu ville, the Assistant Legislative Advisor, Francis Buhendwa DAI / KIN finalized the technical assistance process that was begun by the consultant, Lode Vanhoost in August 2010. Following a working meeting with the President of the Assembly, he conducted a meeting with members of the PAJ Committee and the research bureau to study how to improve and revise several of the articles in the Bandundu PA rules of procedure.

Most of the work had been completed on the first day facilitated by Mr. Buhendwa and what remained was completed second day, under the facilitation of the Bandundu PBG Governance Advisor.

The internal procedures manual, amended thanks to the support of the PBG was examined and adopted by way of an amendment before the closing ceremony of the January 2011 plenary session.

In connection with the review of the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly, the PAJ was very

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satisfied with the technical assistance provided by DAI / PBG through the consultant Lode Vanhoost and Mr Buhendwa. Thanks to this assistance, the Assembly has seen an internal procedures manual which will assist members to effectively accomplish their task. In his speech, the PA President has requested the assistance of DAI / PBG, for editing the Rules and for its publication in the Official Gazette, to guard against any suspicion of irregularities.

IR 3 – LAWS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR DECENTRALIZATION ESTABLISHED & IMPLEMENTED

Meetings held with other donors

Public Financial Management Working Group - On April 7th, the IR3 Team Leader attended a meeting of the above group which is convened by the World Bank. On this occasion it was held at the offices of the EU Delegation. The main purpose of the meeting was to receive a report from two Government representatives regarding the management of the Budget. They spoke frankly regarding the difficulties which they faced regarding expenditure which was not authorized under the Budget. They said that 2010 had been particularly difficult in view of the 50th Anniversary celebrations, and pressures regarding forthcoming elections. We were given complete summaries of the budgeted and actual expenditures which make interesting reading.

Meetings held with counterpart organizations

Cellule Technique d’Appui à la Décentralisation (CTAD) - The meetings with CTAD on disseminating the issues regarding decentralization using radio and web-sites (see below) and universities and private enterprise continued during the month. The discussion forum to be sponsored by the Federation of Congolese Enterprises, which had been proposed by FEC to be held in March, had been postponed at their request. Unfortunately it seems as though they are now backtracking from their previous commitment. The appointment of consultants to conduct university discussions is still in progress.

Programmatic Accomplishments under IR3

Activities IR 3.2.1.3 and 3.2.12.3: Survey Feedback and Action Planning workshops:

The consultant’s reports on most of the workshops have been received, including lists of projects proposed. USAID expressed concern regarding the environmental implications of some of the projects, so work on this aspect was delayed until the mission had had an opportunity to look into the matter in more detail. At a meeting attended by the COP and DCOP on Tuesday April 26 further guidance was received. As soon as a complete list of projects has been compiled (after the consultant’s workshop reports have been received) PBG will submit it to the environmental officer who will then be able to make a determination regarding the procedures to be followed in each case.

Activities IR 3.2.9-3, 3.2.9-4 and 3.2.7-3: Training in Financial Management and Monitoring for ETDs

A SOW has been prepared for a second phase of this project, which will consist of technical assistance and training to all ETDs. This is designed to allow the consultant the opportunity to follow up with participants in his courses to ensure that they are putting in practice what they had learned in their workshops.

A request for approval of appointment of the consultant will be submitted shortly.

The importance of this work is that it is laying the ground for increased involvement of civil society in local budgeting and financial management. It is hoped that the increased transparency will reduce corruption, and it being tied with a forthcoming activity focusing on corruption in Bukanga Lonzo and Kolwezi.

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Activity IR3.2.10-1: Public Private Partnerships in the delivery of services at the local level

The field study of this work showed that there is a lack of skill and full understanding of what is involved in PPPs. There is therefore no doubt that the ETDs will need support to identify viable projects. PBG is therefore in the process of appointing a technical consultant to assist the ETDs. Once he is in place a training workshop will be held in Lubumbashi with representatives of all ETDs on the subject of the project identification and preparation process for PPPs.

Activity IR3.1.2.3: Creating a UNDP website During the month training sessions were held with staff from CTAD who will act as webmasters and postmasters. These trainings have consisted of eight hands-on sessions in which the participants undertake work on line. Between the sessions they also had to do specific assignments. The sessions were shared between those working with the Civil Society good governance web site – under IR1 – and the CTAD site. A total of nine people participated, of whom six were from CTAD.

Activity IR3.1.7-4: Promoting discussion of decentralization through the media

On Three radio stations, Radio Okapi, Tropicana FM and B.One have been selected as candidates to make the broadcasts, and were to make their financial and technical offers by April 5. Unfortunately Radio Okapi has not responded. We shall therefore start with the other two stations, while trying to get Okapi interested, as they are clearly one of the strongest.

Activity 3.1.7 – 3: Diagnostic study of administrative powers

This study is being undertaken in collaboration with CTAD in response to a lack of clarity about the powers of provincial deconcentrated services, decentralized services and ETDs. Moreover villes established at different dates, and under different legislation have different powers. There is also confusion regarding the powers of villes and the communes within them.

This study aims to document existing problems and to make recommendations to resolve the difficulties. It is hoped that it will eliminate or reduce at least one important obstacle in the path to decentralization.

During the month the terms of reference were finalized and consultants were selected. Their documentation will shortly be submitted to USAI for approval.

Activity IR3.5.3-4: Round Table of Women Leaders

The As reported last month, the second Round Table was held on March 17 and 18. The final report was received this month. One of the outcomes of the session was to emphasize the need for outreach to the Provinces, and to appoint Provincial focal points. It was agreed that debriefing and consultation sessions should be held in each province, to be supported by PBG.

The first debriefing session was held in Bukavu, on Friday April 15, attended by 43 people, of whom 36 were women. It was moderated by PBG’s Basile Kabazimya. The principal speakers were Justine Ramazani from the Provincial Justice Division, and Joseline Migabo, Bourgmestre of the Commune of Kadutu.

The second session was held in Bandundu meeting at our CRD on Saturday April 23, and was attended by 65 women. It was conducted by Rosalie Balanda (Head of the Provincial Ministry for Women) and Laurette Lheke, Deputy Bourgmestre for the Commune of Mayoyo.

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Upcoming Activities (May 2011)

Timing Activity IR Location May 2- 13 1.1.3-5 Training on WORD initiation for CSOs, and Provincial Government IR1 Bandundu

May 2-3 1.1.1-5 TA CSO internal governance –grants management training IR1 Maniema

May 2-4 2.1.6-3 TA Review of internal procedures of PAs IR2 South Kivu

May 3-13 1.1.3-5 Computer training on research, WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT for IR1 Katanga CSOs and Provincial Government May 9 1.1.1-5 TA Consultation and exchange of experiences – grants management IR1 Maniema training May 10-13 1.1.3-5 Training on WORD initiation for CSOs, and Provincial Government IR1 Maniema

May 13-18 2.1.3-3 Legislative and Financial autonomy workshop 1R2 Maniema

May 12 1.1.3-5 Conference-Debate Exchange of ideas on conflict prevention IR1 South Kivu

May 14 1.1.3-5 Conference-Debate Feminine leadership and the electoral IR1 Bandundu registration form revision May 14 1.2.2-2 Audience Publique Gender, a priority for the program of the IR1 Maniema Provincial Government balance sheet after 10 months with the Provincial Governor May 13 1.2.2-2 Audience Publique Provincial budget and promotion of indigenous IR1 South Kivu people May 13 1.1.3-5 Conference-Debate on the status and representation of women in IR1 Katanga the elections May 18-27 2.5.4-3/2.1.16-2 Workshop on the Drafting of Parliamentary documents IR2 Kinshasa

May 18-19 1.1.1-5 Meeting with CSO partners on grants start-up IR1 Kinshasa

May 18-19 2.5.4-3/2.1.16-2 Meeting with CSO partners on grants start-up IR1 Maniema

May 19 1.1.3-5 Reflection and discussion on the issues and strategies on mobilizing IR1 Maniema the grassroots by education and awareness-building May 19 3.1.7-3 Inter-governmental work group IR3 Maniema

May 18-19 1.1.3-5 Reflection workshop on South Kivu health policy IR1 South Kivu

May 18-19 1.1.1-5 Meeting with CSO partners on grants start-up IR1 South Kivu

May 18-19 1.1.1-5 TA CSO internal governance –grants management training IR1 South Kivu

May 18-19 1.1.1-5 Meeting with CSO partners on grants start-up IR1 Katanga

May 23-26 1.1.3-5 Training on WORD initiation for CSOs, and Provincial Government IR1 Maniema

May 23 1.1.3-5 Conference-Debate on the choice of leaders/representatives. A IR1 South Kivu blank check? May 28 1.2.2-2 Audience Publique on the feasibility of tracing Maniema’s minerals IR1 Maniema –Minister of Mines and Energy May 25 3.1.7-3 Inter-governmental work group IR3 South Kivu

PBG April 2011 Monthly Report – Page 13

Programme de Bonne Gouvernance ENGAGE Task Order DFD-I-01-08-00071-00

Monthly Report: May 2011 Activities

PBG Background

DAI began mobilizing the Programme de Bonne Gouvernance (PBG) on October 1, 2009. With a ceiling price of $36,251,768 for a five-year (three years with two option years) program. The program purpose is to improve management capacity and accountability of select legislatures and local governments. The program focuses on three categories of partners: Parliamentary institutions at the central and provincial level Public institutions having a stake and role in decentralization; and Civil society and community-based organizations

PBG’s three Intermediate Results (IRs) are: IR 1 Citizens demand accountability IR 2 Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective IR 3 Laws, policies and procedures for decentralization established and implemented

Overall Political Context

Most significant events in all provinces this month centered around preparations for elections, including, the establishment of a clinic for women in Bandundu to promote women’s active involvement both as candidates, election workers and voters in the elections as well as meetings and promotional activities in all provinces related to voter registration.

For the third time a new date has been announced for the local elections. Elections for Provincial Deputies will be held on March 25, 2012; those for Councilors of Secteurs, Chefferies and Communes will be held on February 5, 2013; indirect elections for the Chefs de Secteur, Bourgmestres, and the Councilors of villes will be held on May 1, and indirect elections for Mayors will be held on 24 June 2013.

Security problems continued in South Kivu with the continuation of violent attacks on villages by Interahamwe thereby causing on-going displacement of villagers.

In Bandundu, in the aftermath of the violence that erupted in the wake of the reinstallation of the governor of that province, the investigation that led to an arrest of an army lieutenant-colonel thought responsible for the murder of a protester is well underway. The alleged perpetrator is still being held and thus this visible display of law enforcement seems to have appeased the public to a large degree as the funeral of the victim was entirely peaceful.

According to PBG staff members in Bandundu, civil society plans to organize a series of events on security sector reform as a result of this incident. They also plan to organize a forum for popular expression or dialogue that will bring together various stakeholders to explore ways to prevent future resurgence of such incidents.

In South Kivu, 3 ministers - of Education, Environment and Finance were questioned regarding the management of their portfolios suggesting the legislative oversight is actively taking place. In each case, civil society could have been consulted to obtain information and points of view on the questions raised, namely, the non-completion of a primary school, uncontrolled construction in certain villages, low-level of realization of budget implementation targets. It is proposed therefore, that as part of the legislative testimony training a debriefing session on the PBG May 2011 Monthly Report – Page 1

oversight activities that have taken place should be held in which civil society members can discuss the role they could have played in past activities and prospectively what roles they can play in future. Education received much attention in Bandundu with the holding of a workshop on how to phase in the requirement of free primary education. There were also pleas for the abolition of fee requirements for remedial education centers in the province.

Key Activities and Actions by IR

IR 1 – CITIZEN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY Meetings with other donor or counterpart organizations

The IR1 team, including the website coordinator had a follow-up meeting with the head of World Bank Institute team, Thomas Maketa on linking technology to civil society work to obtain advice on technical aspects of the website, including the appropriate software and hardware needed to maintain the site. Mr. Maketa also shared WBI’s plans to establish its own server that can be used for free by local civil society organizations. Currently, the PBG website is hosted by a company based in Switzerland for a fee. Thus as soon as the WBI server is ready, the PBG site will be switched over.

At the provincial level, in South Kivu, PBG staff members have participated as observers in the World Bank’s participatory budget program currently being piloted in approximately 7 ETDs.

Meetings with PBG partner organizations CENADEP

Meetings were on-going with CENADEP relating to the website. CENADEP also hosted part of the visit of the Senior Vice President for Programs of DAI at which the website coordinator presented the website and other CENADEP representatives presented on other aspects of CENADEP’s work.

SERACOB

A meeting was held with SERACOB at which SERACOB was informed that due to budget constraints, their contract will be terminated at the end of year 2. Until that time, SERACOB will continue to provide reporting on its effort to support civil society participation in the thematic working groups at national level. However, during this transition period, PBG will begin to interact directly with the civil society participants in the working groups as will be discussed later under “Programmatic Accomplishments.”

SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND

A meeting was held with SFCG at which SFCG was informed that due to budget constraints, their contract will be terminated at the end of year 2. Pending the outcome of negotiations, it is presumed that based on this proposal, SFCG would spend the remainder of the year, winding up PBG-related activities.

Programmatic Accomplishments

The main accomplishments for this month were 1) Use of CRD continued (1.1.3-5); 2) Circle of Women radio broadcasts continued (1.1.3-5); 3) Good governance website development continued with formal protocol meetings with deputies and with civil society; 4) Grants selections made and kick-off meetings held (1.1.3-3); 5) Audiences Publique held (1.2.2-2); and 6) The work of Search for Common Ground continued (1.1.2-1/2).

PBG May 2011 Monthly Report – Page 2

Activity IR1.1.3 (SA5): CRD Development

CRD activity in all the provinces was in full swing this month with both seminar and training related activities as well as resource access-related activity. In Bandundu, at least 30 people a day visit the CRD. While the library is used less often than the Internet café, the staff recorded 19 visits to the library during this month

In Maniema, between the 19th and 27th of May alone, as many as 37 people used the CRD to gain access to resources, including 2 deputies who used the CRD to conduct research on-line. However, the PBG team in Maniema highlighted the need to encourage more female visitors after noting the complete absence of women among users during this period.

In Katanga, the new CRD there already boasts an average visitation rate of 7 people per day. In South Kivu the Internet has yet to be installed and that aspect of the CRD which typically is their biggest draw card is not operational.

Seminars and Trainings

Several Seminars and Training events were also organized this month at CRDs in all 4 provinces In Bandundu, a panel discussion on the theme: "The Women's Leadership and Revision of the electoral register." Thirty-five participants, including 13 women attended the event which featured presentations by the Bandundu representative of INEC and PBG staff. Many questions were posed to presenters, especially those which expressed concern about the disparity between the voters appearing on electoral rolls and the actual number of voters in the province. Women who had political aspirations were encouraged to be proactive in seeking leadership positions in all aspects of the electoral process.

A second seminar was held in Bandundu towards the latter part of the month focused on challenges associated with seeking peaceful resolutions to tribal and territorial conflicts in the context of the decentralization process. Participants discussed the causes and possible resolutions to these conflicts. Regular introductory courses on information technology continued in Bandundu. Because of the small number in attendance at the final session of the month, a decision was taken to decrease the frequency. In Maniema, a seminar was held on the internal governance of CSOs. Sub-topics discussed under this theme included legal viability; institutional sustainability; financial viability; operational viability and cross-stakeholder interaction. This event was used as a diagnostic opportunity the outcome of which has served as the basis for identifying future CRD-based training events related to organizational development for CSOs. A third seminar took advantage of the presence of one of IR2’s most accomplished consultants who led a discussion on budget transparency and citizen involvement in the budget process. PBG staff in Maniema observed that the seminar seemed to significantly advance civil society understanding of their role in promoting budget transparency.

Once again, Maniema also continued on-going training on information-technology related subjects with a training workshop on MS Word. Of the 21 participants, 3 were women. The sector breakdown was - provincial government (5); provincial assembly (10); and CSO (6). One problem noted was that it was discovered that despite having been trained by PBG in Word 2007, most partners operate with Word 2003 and thus it was not clear whether or to what extent the trainees would be able to transfer their learning of 2007 to a 2003 environment.

In South Kivu, a lively debate on decentralization was held at the CRD there involving CSO participants, members of the provincial assembly and the provincial government. In total, 18 participated of whom 5 were women.

PBG May 2011 Monthly Report – Page 3

Conflict prevention was the theme of the 2nd seminar in South Kivu. As invitees, PBG staff targeted CSOs and members of political parties, provincial government and the Provincial Assembly. A total of 15, including 5 women participated in the event. A third seminar focused on how to choose the right leaders for the province and hold them accountable. A total of 17, including 5 women participated in the event. In Katanga, a CRD-based seminar on the current state of the under-representation of women in elections was held and featured the active participation of members of the provincial assembly, provincial government, public institutions, media, CSO partners, women leaders and students.

Another workshop on conducting research on the Internet was offered at the CRD presented by the CRD consultant who is based at the University of Lubumbashi. A related workshop attended by the same participants focused on accessing resources at the CRD.

And finally, a second computer literacy training session was held for CSO partners, their staff and members of the provincial government and the provincial assembly. During these four days, 10 representatives of the three structures mentioned above (8 women and 2 men) received training in basic software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point in various sessions of 2 hours.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 (SA3): Circle of Women

See reporting on this under the Search for Common Ground Section

Activity IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3: CSO Good Governance Website Development

The major activities undertaken associated with the website were: 1) formal meeting introducing the website to 6 deputies; 2) formal meetings introducing the website to civil society organizations that will be involved in the thematic groups.

Overall, the feedback from the deputies was positive. They welcomed the idea. After the presentation of the website by the website coordinator, such comments of praise were received such as “this is an excellent initiative;” “we salute this initiative;” and “congratulations.” Questions asked include “be sure to cover the work of the sub-commissions of the assembly;” “many colleagues can’t use Internet, it will be important to get training.” All deputies were eager to make arrangements to have their pictures taken. One deputy, having been informed about the website beforehand even brought a picture to the meeting. They also asked about the extent to which the site can be used to gauge public opinion on actions they have taken and their performance. There did seem to be an overall preoccupation with information flow and communication between them and the public. So this is an encouraging sign. Less encouraging is the fact that only 6 out of 20 invitees attended the meeting. However, given that they are deputies, this was expected. There was also less of a push to maximize the number of participants since the national deputies are nearing the end of their mandate. But it was good to have this as a significant indicator of the utility and potential for appreciation of the site by deputies.

Similarly out of approximately 20 invited, representatives of 7 NGO thematic clusters involved in the thematic working groups (TWGs) attended a presentation of the website that was accompanied by a discussion of the need to explore ways to improve the performance of civil society in these multi-sector working groups in which civil society is afforded a platform for expressing its position on various themes and thereby influencing the positions of government, legislators and donors. The PBG team was struck by the poor quality of intervention among most of the participants and this was a strong indicator that their participation in the working groups is similarly sub- par. Hence on the one hand, this initiative was clearly justified, but on the other, it remains to arrive at the best approach to supporting, encouraging and ensuring improved performance. A decision was taken by PBG’s IR1 team subsequent to the meeting to take the “creaming” approach where we identify 1 or 2 of the best performing civil society participants in the thematic working group and engage in intense capacity building work with them.

PBG May 2011 Monthly Report – Page 4

We also will link them to the website through which we will pilot a performance monitoring scheme for each of the participating thematic groups. At the meeting held this month, the representative of the health group seemed to demonstrate the strongest grasp of the concept of the role of civil society in the working groups as well as the need to monitor their performance and measure progress against advocacy objectives. We thus invited the civil society delegation to the health sector thematic working group to participate in a pilot training program to develop them as a model delegation for others to follow. And subsequent to being advised of the interest expressed by government to have more active and quality civil society participation in the mining sector working group, we also discussed the possibility of adding that group to the pilot program with Father Ferdinand Muhigirwa, the director of CEPAS who leads the civil society delegation to the mining sector working group. In addition to Father Muhigirwa’s demonstrating a strong grasp of what PBG wants to achieve with this intervention, it was also clear that CEPAS has significant capacity to play a supporting role in the capacity-building effort in terms of documenting the progress of both groups so that their experiences and performance can be used as a model for others.

Activity IR1.1.5 (SA2): Grants Selection and Kickoff

In Bandundu, the launch meeting for grant winners took place from 18 to 20 May 2011. The grant winners included existing PBG CSO partners ASSOPAC, COFERD and PROSADEF. The Bandundu provincial office was the only office that followed strictly the explicit instructions from PBG HQ in Kinshasa to limit the competition to existing partners.

A launch meeting was also held for grant winners in Katanga. During this workshop two (BDD and AED) of the three successful applicants, including 1 non-PBG partner credibly defended action plans associated with their grant proposals. Following a review of the 3rd, SOCIKAT by USAID, SOCIKAT has been asked to refine their proposal before their grant award is finalized.

Activity 1R1.2.2 (SA2): Audiences Publique at the Provincial Level

Only in South Kivu were formal audiences publique held during this period even though in the less formal CRD- based seminar, plenty of interaction between civil society and government officials has also taken place.

The first session was held on the issue of the relocation of 700 families to rehabilitate the national road. The governor of the province was a featured speaker along with other key government officials. They addressed an audience of 119, including 22 women. Another public hearing held in South Kivu focused on the "Budget of the province and promotion of indigenous peoples." Featured speakers included the Provincial Ministers of Health and of Social Affairs. In the spirit of promoting real skills transfer and sustainability, this audience publique was organized by CSO partner CAPSA with the support of PBG. The event was attended by 50 people, including 11 women.

Activity IR1.1.2-1/2: Search for Common Ground

A senior member of SFCG’s PBG partner, Search for Common Ground (SFCG) registered several impressive achievements during this reporting period, especially related to its new emphasis on training and coaching provincial-based broadcast professionals. In particular, in Maniema and Katanga meetings were held to plan training and coaching activities. In Maniema, SFCG staff coached broadcast professionals at Radio Liberty through the process of producing 3 broadcasts related to good governance. Later they held meetings with local DAI staff and provided training on how to monitor the progress of radio partners in the absence of SFCG professionals. The 3 broadcasts produced during this period involved one which formed part of the “Circle of Women” series and the other two focused on civic education related to good governance.

PBG May 2011 Monthly Report – Page 5

The good governance broadcasts address the issues of corruption and the economic impact after the passage of one year since the delivery of 32 tractors to the province. The women’s broadcast focused on the inhibiting factors for women in their struggle to combat poverty.

In Katanga, despite on-going challenges with media partner, TV/Radio JUA, a decision has been taken to continue the partnership until the end of year 2. A meeting was thus held with the station to plan broadcasts for May and June. Two topics were covered on both radio and television during this period, one related to the series of circle of women broadcasts and the other related to good governance. In the governance related program, discussants addressed the topic of petty corruption and harassment of the public on the part of traffic police. The “circle of women” broadcast featured panelists discussing the entrepreneurial potential of women. Once again, SFCG personnel provided training and coaching throughout the production process for both broadcasts. They also led PBG staff and broadcasters through an evaluation process in the aftermath of the broadcasts. Recommendations included:  There is a need to improve production in terms of text preparation;  The presenter should do more ahead of time to master of the subject matter;  Journalists need to be better trained in the different formats, including the magazine and round-table formats;  The process leading to theme selection should be more refined in order to better highlight challenges associated with attaining the ideal of good governance;  Better equipment is needed for a more professional and polished production; and  Broadcast hours should be revised to ensure expanded audience.

Despite the lack of visits by SFCG professionals to the remaining two provinces, broadcasts were produced in both. In particular, in South Kivu, 4 broadcasts were produced by partners Radio Star and TV Vision Shala, two related to the Circle of Women series and the other two on good governance. The focus of the women’s broadcast was on preparing women for involvement in elections and the governance focused broadcasts focused on improving the population’s access to information and the culture of accountability and outreach on the part of government authorities and elected officials. In Bandundu 4 PBG broadcasts were organized with partner Radio Bandundu which focused on the role of the government in improving conditions of river transport; how to improve the profitability of agriculture activities; the opinions of women on elections and the extent to which political parties assist women in realizing political aspirations. The latter two formed part of the “circle of women” broadcasts.

National broadcasts produced by SFCG through its programming Mopila, Abre Palavra and Jirani Ni Ndugu addressed the following topics:  Coexistence between elected and customary power;  Management of common resources between ETDs;  The revised constitution: Fear of political parties;  The revised Constitution: understanding the amended sections.  Government accountability on national education Participatory theater activities in all provinces focused on conflict both at family and community levels as well as the lack of government services and insecurity in conflict zones.

IR 2 – SELECTED PARLIAMENTS ARE MORE DEMOCRATIC AND EFFECTIVE

Meetings with other donor or counterpart organizations none

IR 2 Programmatic Accomplishments

PBG May 2011 Monthly Report – Page 6

Activity IR 2.5.4-5 Internship in the National Parliament intended for the provincial staff

As of May 18, 2011, this activity is a professional training program which is being held in the Palais du Peuple lasting 21 days, and benefitting commission secretaries and session secretaries of 11 provincial assemblies, with two delegates from provinces. This course organized at the initiative of RCPP is funded by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, DAI / USAID, DAI / Europe and UNDP.

Activity IR 2.5.4-4 Introduction to techniques of adult education at the destination RCPP and provincial staff

Training of trainers was held in late in the training course to enable participants to pass on what they have learned during this workshop to their collaborators in the provinces.

Katanga:

Activity IR 2.2.1-4 Technical assistance in Edict drafting

8 Proposed Edicts have been submitted to PBG. They are currently being analyzed and refined by a PBG technical expert of technical assistance to be returned to the authors for examination and submission to the plenary.

South Kivu:

Activity IR 2.1.6-3 Review of the Provincial Assembly rules of procedure

IR2 Legislative Strengthening Assistant Francis Buhendwa continued his technical assistance work with the Provincial Assembly PAJ commission, he has refined the rules of procedure manual and the latest draft was adopted after three days of work in the CRD conference room in Bukavu .

17 people took part in this work, including 2 women and 3 PA members, the Committees PAJ and Socio-cultural commissions and other staff members and advisors. On the last day of the session, the draft was adopted by a group of 10 stakeholders including 5 PA Members (Balumisa, Kalenga, Ntambuka, Batumike and Mubengwa). All were carefully selected for this vital work which will be used for conducting day-to day management of the PA

Maniema:

Activity IR 2.1.3-3 & 2.1.3-4 Workshop on legislative autonomy and financial and technical assistance

This workshop was held on Saturday 14 and Monday, May 16 and hosted 45 participants in total including 5 women and 9 members. Technical assistance has continued on Wednesday, May 18 for 15 members of the Provincial Assembly.

Bandundu:

Activity IR 2.1.6-3 Technical and material assistance to the journal and the reproduction of the Provincial Assembly Rules of Procedure

After a long process with an international consultant (Lode Vanoost), the Deputy Legislative Strengthening Advisor in collaboration with the Bandundu PA PAJ commission finalized the Provincial Assembly’s Rules of Procedure. The PA President has requested an additional workshop technical assistance for legislative drafting and analysis of the constitutionality of this document before its submission to the competent judicial authorities.

PBG May 2011 Monthly Report – Page 7

IR 3 – LAWS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR DECENTRALIZATION ESTABLISHED & IMPLEMENTED

Meetings held with other donors none

Meetings held with counterpart organizations

Cellule Technique d’Appui à la Décentralisation (CTAD) The IR3 team met CTAD on May 4, in order to solicit bids from radio stations regarding dissemination of the information about decentralization. This is further reported below (3.1.7–4).

On May 20, the IR3 team was invited to discuss participation in another study required by CTAD regarding the transfer of jurisdiction to the Provinces. They have already prepared Terms of Reference. The team has made comments on them and had a review meeting on May 25, but before making a commitment to undertake the study it will be necessary to ensure that there is no duplication with the work of other donors.

In collaboration with CTAD, IR3 has updated the Table showing legislative progress in decentralization. This Table is attached to the report as Annex 1.

Programmatic Accomplishments under IR3

Activity IR3.2.10-1: Public Private Partnerships in the delivery of services at the local level

The Katanga-based consultant identified for this work was unable to supply the documentary evidence necessary to support his application. An alternative has therefore been approached and his details will be submitted for approval shortly.

Once he is in place a training workshop will be held in Lubumbashi with representatives of all ETDs on the subject of the project identification and preparation process for PPPs

Activity 3.2.12-5 Solicit Proposals from ETDs for Grant Funding: Environmental Assessment Workshops

Under USAID regulations most of the projects proposed under Action Plans must be subjected to a determination regarding the environmental impact. In view of the very small scale of the projects, it was decided that responsibility for making the environmental report should be given to the ETDs concerned, thus helping them to appreciate environmental issues and giving them the tools to help them present projects for funding – whether by USAID or other donors.

It has therefore been decided to mount simple training programs for ETDs to help them prepare such a report. During the month a basic outline for the course was prepared, based on USAID material (see Annex 2). The first trainings will be held in Bandundu Province next month.

Activity IR3.1.2.3: Creating a decentralization website for CTAD

CTAD are in the process of assembling the data and documents for inclusion in the site, and it is expected to become operational during the month of June.

PBG May 2011 Monthly Report – Page 8

Activity IR3.1.7-4: Promoting discussion of decentralization through the media

As reported above, a meeting was held at CTAD on May 4. It was attended by the head of communication for CTAD and the representatives of Radio B-one, and Radio Congo FM. The third selected station (Tropicana) did not attend. The proposals were received on May 11, and are currently being studied by us.

Activity 3.1.7 – 3: Diagnostic study of administrative powers

One consultant for this work has been approved. Clarifications were required by the COTR regarding the second consultant, but these will hopefully be resolved very shortly and the name resubmitted for approval.

Activity IR3.5.3-4: Round Table of Women Leaders

The reports regarding feed-back workshop held in each province are being consolidated so that a final integrated Action Plan can be prepared.

Activity 3.1.7-3 Inter-governmental thematic working groups

On May 25, a working group was convened in Bukavu. The theme was “Role of local elections in the implementation of decentralization – the case of the urban commune.” The objective was to increase the involvement of local citizens in the electoral process. The lead speaker was Alain Moulod, Coordinator of the Electoral Section of MONUSCO.

Representatives of the Provincial Assembly, the Provincial Government, ETDs and civil society attended. The latter included political parties, traders, universities and MONUSCO.

It had been hoped to hold a similar event in Maniema on 19 May, but due to delays concerning the appointment of the proposed lead speaker the event had to be postponed.

PBG May 2011 Monthly Report – Page 9

Upcoming Activities (June 2011)

Timing Activity IR Location June 1-3 2.5.4-3/2.1.16-2 WKP Preparation of parliamentary documents 2 Kinshasa (provincial staff and provincial assemblies) RCPP/WFD/PBG/UNDP – includes all target Pas June 1-3 1.1.1-3 WKP Initiation WORD (CSOs, Provincial Government) 1 Bandundu

June 1 1.1.3-5 MTG Discussion and contemplation: challenges and strategies for 1 Maniema mobilizing the grass roots for education and awareness-building (CSO partners) June 2 1.1.1-4 WKP Web site 1 Kinshasa June 2-3 1.1.1-5 MTG Kick-off of grants, budget monitoring of grants (CSOs, CAPSA 1 South Kivu and AFEJUCO) June 3-7 2.5.4-3 WKP Training of trainers (provincial assembly staff) 2 Kinshasa RCPP/WFD/PBG/DFID/UNDP June 6-8 1.1.3-5 WKP Initiation EXCEL (CSOs, Provincial Government 1 Bandundu

June 7-8 1.1.3-5 WKP Struggle against corruption “ Transparency in public 1 Bandundu management of local finances (Kikwit) June 7-10 1.1.1-3 WKP Initiation WORD 2007 (CSOs, 1

June 7 1.1.1-5 WKP Contemplation workshop: What kind of public helth policy is 1 South Kivu best for South Kivu (CSOs Public health institutions, Provincial health ministry, AP Social Commission) June 8 1.1.3-4 Conference-debate The choice of elected leaders/representatives 1 South Kivu in South Kivu, is it a blank check? June 9 1.1.3-5 Discussion on the situation and common actions (lobbying) (CSOs) 1 South Kivu

June 10 1.1.3-5 MTG CSOs leadership and internal governance (CSOs) 1 South Kivu

June 15- 3.2.12-5 WKP Implementation of an environmental impact evaluation 3 Bandundu 16 mechanism for construction projects (Bukongalonzo) June 14- 1.1.3-5 WKP Initiation of a power point module (CSOs, Provincial 1 Maniema 16 Government) June 17 1.1.3-5 Conference-Debate Development of road infrastructure in South 1 South Kivu Kivu (CSOs, Governor’s office, PA) June 13 1.2.2-2 Public Audience Education losses and child laborers in mining 1 Katanga sites in Katanga (Provincial authorities (Provincial Government, PA, CSOs, public) June 23 1.2.2-2 Struggle against corruption in the management of provincial 1 Katanga receipts (CRONGD, ECOFIN,) June 28- 1.1.3-5 WKP Initiation of a power point module (CSOs, Provincial 1 Maniema July 1 Government) July 1 3.1.7-3 Inter-institutional work group 3 Maniema

PBG May 2011 Monthly Report – Page 10

Programme de Bonne Gouvernance ENGAGE Task Order DFD-I-01-08-00071-00

Monthly Report: June 2011 Activities

PBG Background

DAI began mobilizing the Programme de Bonne Gouvernance (PBG) on October 1, 2009. With a ceiling price of $36,251,768 for a five-year (three years with two option years) program. The program purpose is to improve management capacity and accountability of select legislatures and local governments. The program focuses on three categories of partners: Parliamentary institutions at the central and provincial level Public institutions having a stake and role in decentralization; and Civil society and community-based organizations

PBG’s three Intermediate Results (IRs) are: IR 1 Citizens demand accountability; IR 2 Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective; IR 3 Laws, policies and procedures for decentralization established and implemented .

Overall Political Context

Events and Issues Arising with Impact on PBG tThe National Parliament ended its session June 15, 2011 after the vote by the National Assembly of the electoral law. The annexes of this law will be finalized during a special session convened for July 15 as announced by Evariste Boshab in his speech closing session. He gave a positive assessment of the work of Parliament while presenting the difficulties encountered by the population.

A few days before the closing of the session, the publication of a list of absentee MPs rocked the Assembly. This publication led to the establishment of a commission of inquiry to discover the source of the leak and punish the perpetrators. Curiously, this commission was not mandated to identify the real causes of absenteeism, or propose sanctions.

The revision of the electoral roll continues. However, several irregularities have been denounced (fraudulent registrations, recruitment of minors, harassment ...). At the end of June, the CENI announced just over 27 million enrolled.

An incident occurred outside of the CENI headquarters in which the police charged a crowd which was accompanying a UDPS delegation who had come to submit a memorandum on the organization of elections resulting in at least one death and numerous injuries.

Political parties continued to organize in anticipation of upcoming elections. Contacts, meetings, tours across the country and abroad are underway and alliances are being brokered in terms of both the majority and the opposition and the candidates continue to make themselves known. There are also tensions between the activists of the various protagonists at the provincial and national levels.

Another June highlight was the announcement of the verdict in the Chebaya trial. The defendants were convicted of murder. However, they did not take long to appeal the court decision. In South Kivu, despite a temporary strike and the theft of three computers from CENI in two different locations (Kabare and Walungu), the enrollment process has ended.

PBG June 2011 Monthly Report – Page 1

June 24th marked the launching of “Alternative Vital Kamerhe”, a platform with the objective of supporting the candidate of the Congolese Union for the Nation a politic party (UNION POUR LA NATION CONGOLAISE).

Additionally, women in South Kivu, met through the Civil Society Coordination office and the CAFCO, as their claims on the materialization of gender sensitive policies were not taken into account by the National Assembly in the new electoral law in the DRC. Women organized a march after which a memorandum was filed in the Office of the Provincial Assembly to lobby the provincial government. This memorandum insisted on respect for the texts, and how the advancement of women should not be taken for granted under the Constitution. Again, this event shows that partner CSOs may conduct advocacy on the issue. Moreover, the emissions ‘Circle of Women’ and CRDs can provide support to these possible advocacy activities.

In the same context, in Maniema, through his sound message n. 01/0234/CAB/GP-MMA/OKP/2011 (June 21, 2011), the Governor of the Province released the order n. 25 / CAB/VPM/MININTERSEC/075 / 2011 (June 13, 2011) on the designation and assignment of the Directors, Territorial Administrators and Territorial Assistants in Maniema. No woman was assigned to these positions in Maniema where women’s marginalization in the public sector it prominent although in defiance of what is prescribed in Article 14 of the Constitution of the DRC.

In Katanga, supporters of Katanga governor Moïse Katumbi and those of the former national deputy, Jean-Claude Muyambo KYASSA confronted each other following an interview that Muyambo granted to a Belgian journalist, in which he negatively criticized the current management of the province by the Governor in office. The interview has been broadcasted on RTNC and local stations (NYOTA, WANTANSHI and MWANGANZA).

In Bandundu, June was characterized by the arrival of a national delegation of MPs for a parliamentary inquiry on the Governor’s dismissal and subsequent incidents which occurred in the latter part of April, 2011.

On June 9, the decentralization support unit with the assistance of the World Bank mission in Bandundu brought together the people of the city of Bandundu through CSOs. Students investigated decentralization, whether the people saw the effects of decentralization and if they know the three priorities that the public has to address in order to attain significant advances in the decentralization process. The involvement of civil society within the context of decentralization should be greater.

From 27 to 29 June, the Deputy Chief of Mission U.S. Embassy visited Bandundu Ville to inaugurate the center built with USAID funding. This center will host PAQUED project facilities PAQUED. The U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission included in his trip a visit t the DAI/PBG Office, IFES, DPK-PROJUSTICE, INEC, Provincial Assembly, recruitment centers, TGI, CEPROSOC and its Legal Clinic supported by DPK and PBG partner PROSADEF. Such visits encourage partners to implement their programs successfully.

Key Activities and Actions by IR

IR 1 – CITIZEN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY

Meetings with other donor or counterpart organizations Meetings with counterpart international NGOs held this month, included a bilateral meeting with Internews, a meeting in which the INGO coordination initiative was revived and a meeting of organizations supporting a GIZ led process to reinforce the capacity of local organizations to engage in extractive industry related advocacy. The meeting with Internews focused on the refurbishment of the 2nd level of the office space currently leased by DAI in Bukavu to accommodate Internews operations there. It is hoped that the proximity of the Internews operations to that of DAI would contribute substantially to promoting synergies between the two projects. Concern was mainly expressed regarding the extent to which the landlord would be amenable to the desired terms, i.e. that the renovation would not trigger a rent increase. These terms are still being negotiated.

At the INGO coordination meeting at which DAI, Internews and the Carter Center participated, the participants explored ways to overcome the tendency of representatives of the various organizations to consistently prioritize PBG June 2011 Monthly Report – Page 2

pressing matters associated with day-to-day operations over coordination among the various organizations operating within the civil society strengthening in the good governance sector. Thus a decision was taken to organize a combination of activities that might ensure a continuous flow of information despite the unavailability of representatives of some organizations to be present at coordination meetings. In particular, it is proposed that meetings can be held quarterly, each with a different featured theme but at which organizations would provide updates of what each organization was doing. Such activity would then be complimented by a list with which concrete information would be distributed. In addition, focal points at a lower level within each organization will be the drivers of continuous information flow with the appropriate guidance from senior personnel. An intern at Carter Center will initiate the list and contacts with at least 12 organizations, including DAI, Internews, Carter Center, IFES, Christian Aid, Trocaire, Search for Common Ground, DPK, COSI, 11 11 11, EISA and Diakonia. Finally, it was proposed that social gatherings might also be organized on a periodic basis to encourage informal networking that could also lead to collaboration.

A meeting was held with GIZ and partners to plan a capacity building workshop for civil society organizations involved in the mining sector. Different thematic relating to training has been developed by identifying all the experts that may be involved in the workshops. An assessment of nominations should have been held during the meeting but the insignificant number of cases did not allow the group to proceed with the selection of candidates.

Meetings with PBG partner organizations

Website coordination meetings were held with CENADEP and these are reported under programmatic accomplishments.

Programmatic Accomplishments

The main accomplishments for this month were 1) Use of CRD continued (1.1.3-5); 2) Circle of Women radio broadcasts continued (1.1.3-5); 3) Anti-Corruption Tribune d’Expression Populaire (1.1.3-5); 4) Good governance website development continued with the first meeting of the steering committee and the initiation of planning regarding the training of selected thematic working group participants; 4) Some grant implementation began (1.1.3-3); 5) Audiences Publique held (1.2.2-2); and 6) The work of Search for Common Ground continued (1.1.2- 1/2).

Activity IR1.1.3 (SA5): CRD Development

In South Kivu, on June 8, a conference/debate was held on leadership selection and the power granted to leaders. The issue was whether elected officials received a blank check. 69% of the 21 participants including five women were members of political parties and the provincial administration. It appears that the elected officials did not fully master the tasks assigned to them from where slippage against the abuse of power. It appears that there is a need for PBG to support elected officials as their election would enable them to fully play their roles.

Another important activity was the leadership meeting of CSOs that discussed internal governance which was attended by 19 persons including two women. Participants realized that their organizations were governed by autocratic according to the mechanisms of democratic governance set by the constitution and the 2008 law on associations. They adhered to democratic governance and decentralization and they want to make changes that reflect democratic governance within their organizations (associations and political parties).

It is to be noted that political parties have asked PBG to organize a specific or internal workshop for their organizations characterized by the tenure of the founders. They argued that these structures have to respect the principle of democratic change within political parties and focus on projects than corporate worship of their founder members.

In Maniema, CRD activities include Internet browsing, PowerPoint training, library consultations and a brainstorming workshop. Internet browsing is summed up in online searches. 261 users were registered during the month and they carried out research on decentralization and good governance. These users include 15 women, 3 PBG June 2011 Monthly Report – Page 3

members, 15 administrative staff and policy of the Legislature, 4 members of political staff of the provincial government and 239 people amongst which members of civil society.

PowerPoint training was conducted in two sessions at the CRD. First, the formation of five agents of PBG from 7 to 9 June 2011 and then 20 partner delegates were trained from the provincial government, provincial assembly and civil society organizations. It should be noted that 4 women participated in this initiative.

Regarding the library, the CRD received from MONUSCO 26 books, 3 pamphlets and some documents from the Ministry of Agriculture.

On June 29, the CRD held a workshop discussion and exchange on strategies for effective and responsible participation of women in the electoral process in Maniema. 13 men and 21 women including 3 of the Provincial Assembly, 16 CSOs, the provincial government and 7 eight political parties were involved in this exchange. The strategy is meant to promote responsible and effective participation of women in the November elections.

From 20 to 24 June 2011 training in computer introduction MS-Windows and MS-word processing in MS-World was held in the Lubumbashi CRD in Katanga for 30 administrative staff of the Provincial Assembly. It is the largest activity performed during the month.

In Bandundu, throughout the month of June, 20 Provincial Assembly staff members were trained in the CRDs. This training taught the utilization of Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

In addition, the provincial coordination of civil society with the support of EISA-DFID organized a dialogue between political parties and civil society to assess the electoral process. At the end of this dialogue, the participants established a committee to draft a memo addressed to the National Commission CENI to extend the date for enrollment in the city of Bandundu given the lack of voter cards for 2 weeks and that the registration stations do not work every Monday.

On June 21 a meeting was held amongst of civil society members in Bandundu on the implementation of the Charter of Civil Society in the Congo. 72 participants took part at this meeting, including 15 women. They were asked to develop the principles of the Charter and to identify different themes to enable CSOs to register / to tackle different areas of interest.

On June 22, a social dialogue occurred between civil society and political parties on the impact of taxes and retrocession in the development in the Bandundu Commune. This event included the intervention of the Mayor of Mayoyo as key speaker and the President of the Provincial Assembly was one of the guests in this event. The meeting was attended by 102 participants including 20 women.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 (SA3): Circle of Women

In South Kivu, following preparatory meetings, the media Radio Star organized the production of the show ‘Circle of Women’ leaders around the following themes:

• Actions and strategies for the women that win elections • The causes of women’ loss during elections • Women must campaign for their colleague.

These programs require women to support themselves as leaders to play a role to encourage other women to join political parties, to engage in them, to run for political office. Moreover, they have made amendments to the electoral law draft being adopted in the Senate.

A copy of these programs was delivered to SFCG for distribution.

Activity 1R1.1.3/5 (SA5) – Tribune d’Expression Populaire

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Because of the difficulty of finalizing partnerships on a telephonic reporting system for corruption, a decision was taken with local partner Observatoire de Lutte Contre La Corruption en Afrique Centrale/RD Congo (OLCAC) to organize a pilot workshop at which participants could express their experiences and opinions about corruption at all levels in the DRC. The pilot workshop was held in Kikwit in Bandundu Province. This and previous events such as Audiences Publique organized under PBG reveal consistent patterns of corruption that preoccupy the majority of participants, including illegal tax collection, low wages, misappropriation of funds, especially during changes of administration, the need for whistleblower legislation in order to protect those who do uncover and go public with corruption allegations, etc. However, the most significant result of the meeting was that a local anti-corruption committee has now been established with the goals of 1) monitoring corruption, 2) promoting provincial anti- corruption commissions, 3) advocating for whistleblower protection and 4) promoting transparency and anti- corruption principles through civic education. It is now proposed that OLCAC take the lead with a sub-grant to implement the same workshop in other provinces. An informal telephonic reporting system that works through the anti-corruption committees can still be established.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3: CSO Good Governance Website Development

Two Steering Committee meetings were held in June.

During the first Technical coordination team presented the status of the Website. Members of the Steering Committee have been aware of all activities implemented so far. Then, they have drawn priorities of the moments. The first one was to monitor the allocation of equipment to CENADEP who assumes the role of Webmaster. The second one was to design a sustainability plan. The committee decided that CENADEP will develop a sustainability plan that outlines the practical arrangements, the sustainability of the site after USAID funding. Last, the team discussed about strategies for data collection.

With regards to equipment allocation, DAI has already given the green light for the purchase of equipment and the administrative process is underway. The Steering Committee later confirmed that CENADEP will be responsible for developing a draft on the sustainability plan to be approved on the spot at the next meeting. Regarding the strategy of data collection, the steering committee felt it should be refined and implemented at the official launch of the site. The Steering Committee also recommended that the training process is initiated collectors next month and recommended that similar activities are to be conducted in the provinces as soon as possible.

The second meeting focused on the revision of the sustainability plan. The committee felt that the sustainability plan is not yet sufficiently researched/comprehensive and it would have to be amended with supplementary details so that it will truly be a strategic document and a useful approach in the sustainability of the site. In this meeting also discussed the preparation of the official site launch was discussed. The official launch of the site is scheduled for July 13, 2011.

The DAI team, that assists CENEDAP with contacts with the authorities, has reviewed the various contacts with (ministry) departments. The idea of good governance of the site is welcomed. However, the major concern is the sustainability of the site and mechanisms for collecting data from the ministries. To find solutions, an inter- ministerial meeting is scheduled during the month of July for the definition of a strategic framework for collaboration.

Finally to conclude this point, LOGICSOFT conducted the official presentation of the website to DAI’s team leader. This paves the way for PBG’s official Good Governance website launch.

Activity IR1.1.5 (SA2) –Grants

At the national level ECC’s proposal for the organization of civic education campaigns on the legislative process and transparency will soon be submitted to USAID for approval. ECC has edited the proposal considering the recommendations previously suggested.

In South Kivu two partners CAPSA and AFEJUCO received grants in kind as agreed with PBG. They are currently PBG June 2011 Monthly Report – Page 5

working on organizing a workshop to develop a strategic plan for advocacy. AFEJUCO has planned this activity in July, while CAPSA held a debate on 25 June on the issue of inclusion of diabetes management in the provincial budget. This debate gathered people’s view on the issue before the organization of a strategy workshop.

In Maniema, the implementation of advocacy projects funded by the PBG has started. The following CSOs have already held their workshops to develop a strategic document of advocacy: Avema, Umama, HBM and ALFED.

In Katanga, Kolwezi and Likasi NGOs are awaiting approval of their projects after taking into account the comments made. In Lubumbashi, the grants have been given to AED and BDD. The first organized a workshop for developing an advocacy strategy document on June 16 and set up a consultation framework for monitoring the budget. AED has also set up a plan of data collection. The second has also started the process as it organized a strategic workshop on June 20 and it has deployed staff for collect data. Data will be collected June 20 to August 13, 2011.

In Bandundu PROSADEF is already at the stage of formulation messages and validation of advocacy strategies in developing the budget of the municipality of Mayoyo. The workshop brought together 40 participants including 10 women.

ASSPAC and COFERD have already launched activities. They have organized a workshop to develop a strategic document of advocacy.

Activity 1R1.2.2 (SA2): Audiences Publique at Provincial Level

In Maniema On June11 PBG and the collective of youth organizations of the Congo, held a public hearing on the traceability of mining in Maniema. It brought together 95 people including 28 women in the room Champagnat College Enano in Kindu. The Minister of Mining discussed with citizens the concerns on the issue of traceability of mineral exploitation in Maniema, making the audience a really accountability meeting. This meeting facilitated positive interactions between authority and citizens. The latter took the opportunity to express their wishes through the formulation of recommendations to the authorities and elected officials. This is the first time that citizens have access to reports of this Ministry in Maniema.

In Katanga A Public Hearing on "The attrition in Katanga: Responsibilities of local authorities" was held with stakeholders as the Deputy Chairman of the Provincial Assembly and the Provincial Minister of Education. 80 people including 10 members of the provincial assembly attended. The monitoring of this hearing during the month led the provincial Minister of Education to waive fees for re-confirmation of pupils’ places, it changed the regulation that ruled that supplies had to be purchased in schools and forced removal of uniforms by some schools, such as jackets, sweaters, ties, etc..

Activity IR1.1.2-1/2: Search for Common Ground

A senior member of SFCG’s The announcement of the break of the partnership with SFCG has disrupted the implementation of some planned activities; however, SFCG has performed a number of activities although no formal training has been recorded during this month.

With regards to local production, a number of these were produced in June within the four provinces, namely, 11 radio governance emissions, e-governance and Circle of women.

Bukavu : 2 Productions with Vision Shala Télévision ; Bandundu : 2 Productions with Radio Bandundu FM ; Lubumbashi : 4 Productions with JUA TV et Radio ; Kindu : 3 Productions with Radio Télé Maniema.

PBG June 2011 Monthly Report – Page 6

All media project partners have produced the expected 2 monthly emissions, with the exception of Star Radio in Bukavu, which has had zero emissions. In Bukavu, Radio Star is currently producing the emissions, but was delayed due to disturbances caused also by women who were supposed to intervene (to speak) during the emissions. Thus, emissions produced in May by Radio Star were rebroadcast this month. The productions planned for June are in progress and will be finalized in early July. In the case of Kindu with Radio TV MANIEMA, three programs were produced instead of 2 as the latest production in May was not finalized.

Also at the provincial level, three shows were presented in each province related to conflict.

On the other hand, 5 national level emissions were produced ‘ARBRE A PALABRE’ and MOPILA and 4 of these aired in June. The first 4 programs focused on electoral matters including the election disputes, the revision of the electoral registration and the danger of double or multiple enrollment of a person. The fifth emission discussed the issue of retention of resources as 40% of these should be directed to the provinces as part of decentralization.

In terms of JIRANE NI NDUGU, two programs were produced and disseminated during the month and discussed two themes. One highlighted the importance of dialogue between the authorities of ETDs and the other focused on the benefits of participatory management at all levels in an ETD on the floor before peaceful techniques that people can use to influence decisions of the authority on matters of general interest.

SFCG announced the end of the emissions TOSALEL'ANGO on all television channels.

IR 2 – SELECTED PARLIAMENTS ARE MORE DEMOCRATIC AND EFFECTIVE

IR 2 Programmatic Accomplishments

Due to the recess in the provinces and the upcoming elections at the national level, IR2 focused on the training of provincial staffs. In order to ensure ownership of the program by our local teams and to ensure a close expertise to the provincial assemblies, the support team has developed the legislature, in collaboration with staff of the PBG training modules that will be implemented by staff of the CRD is in their own provinces or in other provinces:

• Information Technology (Windows, Word, Internet Research, Email, Excel and Powerpoint) training conducted by the PBG IT managers; • Human resources and materials and inventory management; • Developing a plan for filing and archiving for the Provincial Assemblies;

Kinshasa:

Activity IR2.1.14-5 RCPP Workshop and the Training of Trainers

This workshop continued until June 7, when a closing ceremony was conducted in the presence of all donors involved in its implementation. Training of trainers provided at the end of the internship is a valuable tool to help participants present summaries of the workshop to their collaborators in the provinces. All four PBG target provinces benefited from this workshop.

South Kivu:

Activity IR2.1.14-5: Development of an archiving and filing plan

IR2 Bandundu and staff have prepared this event for the staff that starts June 21, 2011.

Activity IR2.5.4-3 RCPP workshop presentation to collaborators in the provinces

PBG June 2011 Monthly Report – Page 7

Training provided by the two staff members of the Assembly who participated in the RCPP workshop. This training was supported by the PBG and DAI/Europe. The trainers have implemented the theoretical concepts and technology of adult education.

Bandundu:

Activity IR2.1.6-3 Review of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly

After IR2 Deputy Legislative Strengthening Advisor, Francis Buhendwa’s facilitation ath the Bandundu PA, and at the request of the Assembly, the Rules were sent to Mr. Katuala, DAI expert in legislative drafting, who has made a thorough proofreading to ensure the quality of the document.

Activity IR2.1.15-2 Information Technology Training

From June 20 to June 24 June training was conducted benefiting 30 administrative officers of the Provincial Assembly in the initiation of Windows. This first module focused on two modules: Introduction to computers (MS- Windows) and word processing (MS-Word 2007).

Katanga:

Activity IR2.1.15-2 Information Technology Training

From June 20 to June 24 training was conducted benefiting 30 administrative officers of the Provincial Assembly in the initiation of Windows. This first module focused on two modules: Introduction to computers (MS-Windows) and word processing (MS-Word 2007).

Activity IR2.5.4-3 RCPP workshop presentation to collaborators in the provinces

Training provided by the two staff members of the Assembly who participated in the RCPP workshop. This training was supported by the PBG and DAI/Europe. The trainers have implemented the theoretical concepts and technology of adult education.

Maniema:

Activity IR2.1.5 Donor Coordination

Exchange of coordination with the SCG and the Assembly to achieve the rehabilitation of buildings of the Assembly.

IR 3 – LAWS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR DECENTRALIZATION ESTABLISHED & IMPLEMENTED

Meetings held with other donors

DFID On June 6, DFID hosted a morning workshop to solicit input into their new program which is being managed by the International Rescue Committee, IRC, and to hear the experiences of other donors in the field of community-based planning.

PBG June 2011 Monthly Report – Page 8

Participants included UNDP, World Bank Institute, Belgian Cooperation (CTB), USAID and the African Development Bank. It is clear that all donors working in the field recognize the importance of involving communities in local planning and implementation of development projects. There are differing methodologies and our action planning process was developed after studying those presented at the workshop, with the exception of the World Bank Institute’s approach.

Their innovation was developed in conjunction with the cell-phone service provider which allows people to prioritize projects by free SMS voting. This has been undertaken in the commune of Kadutu, Bukavu. It is a symptom of the lack of collaboration that their workshop was undertaken in the same commune as we are working, but we were not informed.

World Bank The regular Public Finance Management meeting was held at the World Bank on June 16. The meeting included a presentation by the African Development Bank concerning their latest project: a $60 million budget support project. Disbursement is to be linked to certain indicators. The project will be defined in more detail by an expert mission to be start work the following week. A meeting to allow the responsible consultants to meet with the donors represented at the PFM working group was held on June 21.

Efforts are underway to make the PFM more sustainable. Canadian aid have offered to fund a full-time secretary. There are examples of similar donor coordination groups in Education and Health which are being used as models.

EU Decentralization Project (PA2D) The EU technical assistance team on this project is now in place. They work in three fields: financial management, implementation of decentralization, and renovation of buildings. They are working with the Ministry of Decentralization (especially CTAD), in Kinshasa Province and North Kivu. They have taken the initiative to coordinate with other donors.

Meetings held with counterpart organizations

Cellule Technique d’Appui à la Décentralisation (CTAD) - The meetings

The IR3 team met CTAD on May 20 and 23, to discuss the Terms of reference for implementation of the forthcoming study on the transfer of responsibilities to the Provinces in health education and agriculture.

Programmatic Accomplishments under IR3

Activity IR3.2.10-1: Public Private Partnerships in the delivery of services at the local level

The consultant has been approved, and his contract is awaited. Once he is in place a training workshop will be held in Lubumbashi with representatives of all ETDs on the subject of the project identification and preparation process for PPPs.

Activity IR3.1.2.3: Creating a UNDP website

CTAD are in the process of assembling the data and documents for inclusion in the site. The target date for completion of this activity had been the end of June, but assembling the documents has proved more difficult than first expected and the site is not yet ready.

Activity IR3.1.6–5 Diagnostic study of administrative powers Both consultants for this work have been approved and their contracts are being prepared.

Activity IR3.1.7-3 Inter-governmental thematic working groups The next working group will be held in Maniema on June 20. The theme will be “Decentralization in Maniema: advances and constraints”.

PBG June 2011 Monthly Report – Page 9

Activity IR3.1.7-4: Promoting discussion of decentralization through the media

It was decided that the activity proposed by CTAD, namely to support FM stations broadcasting in Kinshasa only over a period of two months did not meet the requirements of PBG which is to concentrate on the four selected provinces. Instead we shall be contacting national radio stations, such as Okapi, with a view to broadcasting the decentralization message on their stations.

Activity 3.1.6–5: Diagnostic study of administrative powers

Both consultants for this work have been approved and their contracts are being prepared.

Activity IR3.2.12-5 Solicit Proposals from ETDs for Grant Funding: Environmental Assessment Workshops The training program on this topic was held on 15 and 16 June. The event started with a presentation of the issues around environmental protection and management, then each of the projects which had been proposed under the Action Plan was subjected to an environmental scrutiny by a group of participants. In all, in spite of the abstract nature of some environmental concerns, the subject matter was embraced enthusiastically by the participants. This suggests that the idea of local preparation of environmental assessments is a practicable concept.

Activity IR3.5.3-4: Round Table of Women Leaders

On 12 – 14 July there will be a workshop on advocacy regarding women’s issues for members of the provincial and national executive committees. On July 24 there will be a meeting with the Executive Committee regarding implementation of the action plan.

PBG June 2011 Monthly Report – Page 10

Upcoming Activities (July 2011)

Timing Activity IR Location July 1-6 Installation of an archiving plan for filing (AP) IR2 Katanga

July 1 Workshop on the initiation of a power point module (CSOs, Provincial IR1 Maniema Government) July 6-7 Training for PA executives on personnel management (Admin. Staff) IR2 Bandundu

July 8-9 Training for PA staff on inventory and stock management IR2 Bandundu July 6-28 Budget monitoring and financial management IR3 Maniema

July 6-28 Workshop on monitoring and evaluation and technical assistance IR3 Maniema – Bangengele July 11-15 Training provided to PA personnel on IT utilization IR2 Katanga

July 20 Launching of CRDs, PBG, USAID, US Embassy All Kinshasa, all target provinces July 22 Public Audience on the management of civil engineering materials in IR1 Bandundu Bandundu (CS, Provincial deputy minister of public works) July 25-30 IR1 Bandundu IT Training on the initiation of Word (CS, PA) July 25-29 Workshop on the preparation for legislative hearings (PA, CS) IR1 South Kivu

July 25-29 Workshop on initiating IT and word processing IR1 Katanga

July 29 Conference on the rational management of the forests of Maniema IR1 Maniema

July 30 Women leaders radio broadcast: the woman and the relaunching of the IR1 Maniema agricultural program in Maniema July 30 Workshop on Reflection on public health policy in South Kivu (CS, public IR1 South Kivu health institutions, Provincial health Minister)

PBG June 2011 Monthly Report – Page 11

Programme de Bonne Gouvernance ENGAGE Task Order DFD-I-01-08-00071-00

Monthly Report: July 2011 Activities

PBG Background

DAI began mobilizing the Programme de Bonne Gouvernance (PBG) on October 1, 2009. With a ceiling price of $36,251,768 for a five-year (three years with two option years) program. The program purpose is to improve management capacity and accountability of select legislatures and local governments. The program focuses on three categories of partners: Parliamentary institutions at the central and provincial level Public institutions having a stake and role in decentralization; and Civil society and community-based organizations

PBG’s three Intermediate Results (IRs) are: IR 1 Citizens demand accountability IR 2 Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective IR 3 Laws, policies and procedures for decentralization established and implemented

Overall Political Context

In South Kivu, the candidate Vital Kamerhe, continues his media campaign targeted at his constituents and the electorate in general and conducted a tour that took him from Bukavu through Sange and Fizi. During his tour, he urged his listeners to follow the Brazilian model. It is not clear from reports, what aspects of “the Brazilian model” he meant. He apparently also stressed the need for citizens to use the opportunity of having access to political candidates to take all their views into account. Elsewhere in South Kivu, claims of excessive lethargy of the Teachers’ Union of the Congo (SYECO) has apparently led to the dismissal of the organization’s vice president for reasons of prolonged inertia on the part of the organization. In late June, the Provincial Minister of Mines launched the Mining Research Center (MRC) in South Kivu financed by the European Union with a funding level of one million U.S. dollars. The Center is equipped with a library and a modern laboratory. In his speech, the Minister said that staff at the Center will seek the best way to ensure and to verify the “conflict-free” origins of cassiterite ore and coltan and thus put a stop to smuggling.

In Katanga, growing political intolerance in the province has prompted a public outcry by the National Network of NGOs of Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (RENADHOC), in which representatives denounced the prevailing persistent insecurity, political intolerance and pre-election tensions. This message was officially relayed by the African Association for Defense of Human Rights (ASADHO) which in a press release, accused some leaders of political parties of manipulating Katangese Youth by supporting them to form militias to commit acts of violence in service of the interests of political actors.

In Bandundu, a day of discussions on the need for transparency in the forestry sector has brought together 50 members of various organizations of civil society, including provincial government representatives as well as advisers in the office of the provincial assembly. The day was organized by the Regional Council of Development NGOs (CRONGD) Bandundu and led by its Executive Secretary and focal point of the provincial Natural Resources Network (RNN). The meeting resulted in the creation of a permanent framework for consultation to monitor the application of the forestry legislation, the involvement of authorities at all levels and the levels of coordination among the various stakeholders on this issue.

PBG July 2011 Monthly Report – Page 1

Key Activities and Actions by IR

IR 1 – CITIZEN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY Meetings with other donor or counterpart organizations

CEPAS A meeting was held this month with Father Ferdinand Muhigirwa of CEPAS. The aim of the meeting was to discuss and come to agreement on two issues. First, it has been agreed that PBG will collaborate with GIZ in organizing a 10 day training program on advocacy related to revenue transparency. In co-sponsoring the event, PBG will now have access to trained facilitators who understand issues related to revenue transparency and can undertake training on behalf of PBG in targeted provinces as well as Kinshasa. As CEPAS will host the event at its facilities, PBG will contract with CEPAS directly since it cannot make a funds transfer to another donor agency. CEPAS, a highly regarded Jesuit-run civil society research agency has agreed to play this role. Secondly, PBG has asked CEPAS if it will support the PBG website www.gouvernancepourtous.cd in training and overseeing the work of data collectors. CEPAS is much better equipped than CENADEP to play this role and CENADEP has acknowledged this fact. CEPAS has thus agreed to play this role and in so doing work closely with principal website coordinating agency, CENADEP. The main challenge at present is to determine a funding mechanism for a CEPAS partnership. A grant mechanism has been proposed and CEPAS is preparing a proposal submission.

CONAFED PBG was approached by CONAFED, one of the oldest networks of women-focused civil society organizations in the DRC. CONAFED seeks support for promoting increased women involvement in the upcoming elections as candidates and in other influential roles. In response, PBG made it clear that it was not in a position to support or even train women candidates as that would be the role of USAID election partners. However, PBG did explore openness to working with CONAFED on policy issues that women voters would want candidates to address. Possible project development on this issue will hopefully advance after the planned annual planning session of PBG.

LA JEUNESSE The PBG IR1 team received a visit from representatives of La Jeunesse, an organization active on the campus of University of Kinshasa. Representatives wished to acquaint PBG with youth initiatives related to the promotion of democracy and governance. During the meeting they agreed with the idea that there is a need to redefine how youth relate to governing structures given that direct confrontation often leads to violent crackdown. They also agreed that given that student leaders, more often than not, exhibit disturbingly similar tendencies towards autocracy and corruption displayed by current politicians and government leaders, there is a need to look inward and conduct campus dialogues in which participants will reflect on how they can avoid repeating leadership approaches that have not served to advance the interests of Congo society as a whole.

Meetings with PBG partner organizations

CENADEP In a meeting held with CENADEP, CENADEP agreed to the website partnership with CEPAS. CENADEP has also agreed to participate in the planned virtual exchange with Nigerian civil society representatives as well as with linking the youth groups affiliated with CENADEP to PBG consultants who have been engaged to assist in promoting youth involvement in democracy promotion when they visit during the month of August.

Programmatic Accomplishments The main accomplishments for this month were 1) Use of CRD continued and youth-led democracy music program preparation (1.1.3-5); 2) Circle of Women radio broadcasts continued (See report on this activity under Search for Common Ground section) (1.1.3-5 2) Good governance website development continued with the first meeting of PBG July 2011 Monthly Report – Page 2

the steering committee and the initiation of planning regarding the training of selected thematic working group participants (1.1.1. 3); 3) Some grant implementation began (1.1.3-3); 4) Audiences Publique held (1.2.2-2); and 5) The work of Search for Common Ground continued (1.1.2-1/2).

Activity IR1.1.3 (SA5): CRD Development In Kinshasa, the launch of the CRDs was conducted jointly with the provinces through teleconferencing using SKYPE. PBG partners and other important stakeholders were invited to the CRDs in each of the provinces. However, the main link was made between Kinshasa and Bandundu, the province whose PBG CRD is the most well-established and technologically advanced. In other provinces, the launch was attended by many notable partners, including the Vice President of the Provincial Assembly, two provincial ministers, a mayor and burgomaster in South Kivu as well as civil society members. Participants in all provinces expressed a particularly keen interest in the website being developed by PBG as well as an interest in making the CRD available to university students and professors for research on governance and politics.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3: CSO Good Governance Website Development Several meetings were held during this period regarding the on-going development of the website. Budget and procedural issues have caused delays in equipment acquisition and the engagement of data collectors. However, that notwithstanding, the website is improving by the day, particularly as the level of understanding of the purpose and the utility of the site on the part of the CENADEP coordinators increases.

Activity 1R1.2.2 (SA2): Audiences Publique at Provincial Level July was the first month where PBG partners led the implementation of audiences publique planned as part of the grant implementation process.

In South Kivu, the CSO CAPSA held an audience publique on the issue of diabetes in the province. The hearing participants recommended that the government set up a provincial coordinating committee to fight against noncommunicable diseases and that budget allocations for this purpose be significantly increased.

In Bandundu, in the context of the implementation of funded projects, the CSO PROSADEF held an audience publique on public participation in budget development.

In Katanga for the first time, a monitoring committee established previously as a product of an audience publique met to plan follow-up recommendations.

Because of the PBG planning meeting in Kinshasa in early August, full reports on these activities were not available by the writing of this report.

Activity IR1.1.2-1/2: Search for Common Ground SFCG during this month focused its activities on finalizing productions of Governance and Women's Circle programs by media partner, Radio MALI Kindu and the intensification of coaching staff of media partners in Bukavu with 10 emissions. . A total of 18 local productions were produced during the June/July period including  Six radio gouvernance programs in four cities  Three e-governance in Bukavu  Six circles of women in four cities radio and  Three Circle of Women TV broadcasts in Bukavu (June)

Activity IR1.1.3 5. Youth-led Democracy Music program In Bandundu, preparations for this activity have been characterized among others by the receipt of applications for musicians to be selected for the project led by young democracy: 11 Records received with a proposal for two

PBG July 2011 Monthly Report – Page 3

songs. After screening of different candidates, five were selected.

IR 2 – SELECTED PARLIAMENTS ARE MORE DEMOCRATIC AND EFFECTIVE

Meetings with other donor or counterpart organizations

European Union

Several meetings were conducted with Mr Boubacar Tiemengo, head of the new program of EU support to parliaments. This program is deployed at the national level with support for the National Assembly and in the provinces of North Kivu and Kinshasa. The areas of intervention are similar to those of PBG (Technical Assistance / Training and Logistics) and it was mutually agreed that a coordinated response would be the most effective. We shared the National Assembly and Senate IT equipment study in order to minimize costs and maximize the effectiveness of equipping avoiding duplication.

It was also agreed to organize joint activities at the National Assembly. One example of a common activity is providing technical assistance for the revision of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly. The end of the legislature is the best time to take stock of the current regulations and especially the proposed amendments to the Internal Rules that the new Parliament will adopt after the elections.

UNDP

Donor coordination in support of parliaments: IR2 team participated in the coordination meeting involving the UNDP, EU, DIFID, Embassy of France, CTB, AWEPA ... .. The most recent meetings are primarily to the need to create a structure for learning the business of Parliament.

Thematic Group in Support of National Parliament: The meeting was held in the Senate, with the two Secretary Generals of Parliament, and the President’s political advisors from both the President and. UNDP, BTC, EU, AWEPA, DAI / USAID and DAI / Europe. 1 represented the donors. The principle of a training section to create a Parliamentary Administration in a University has been selected. Pending the outcome, this activity must privilege the use of former public servants like teachers, perhaps through the structure of the CPRN.

IR 2 Programmatic Accomplishments

Kinshasa: In view of the Legislative Advisor’s scheduled phase-out from the project, preparation of PBG’s year 3 workplan has been spearheaded by Francis Buhendwa Francis (Deputy Legislative Advisor) and Sandrine Kashongwe (Legislative Assistant) with technical support from Geraldine Pelzer. This exercise shows that successful adoption of the Congolese team is ready to ensure the smooth continuation of the IR2 element of PBG.

Katanga

Activity IR2.1.14-5: Technical assistance for the implementation of an archiving and filing plan This activity, organized to facilitate ownership and provide practical training on archiving and classification was conducted by a team of two PBG staff members from the Bandundu office. It brought together approximately twenty participants and resulted in the development of an archiving and filing plan with the intent of having it approved by the Katanga Provincial Assembly as a regulatory measure. The approval of this administrative measure is provided in the context of this parliamentary session.

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Activity IR2.1.15-2: Staff training workshops on IT use These workshops are organized in modules (word, office, internet, excel and powerpoint). Each module lasts five days and is provided by our provincial office IT manager.

Activity IR2.2.1-4: Technical assistance on the legislative process (Edits) Geraldine Pelzer participated in several meetings with the research department of the Assembly and two members signed five edict draft proposals. At this stage of the process, a strategy must be determined jointly on how to advance these proposals to become edicts and organize work to be undertaken by the signatories and members of the research department for submission to the Parliament Assembly. Proofreading by an expert in legislative drafting will be organized by the Provincial Assembly later

Activity IR2.5.4-3: Review of the RCPP Parliamentary Workshop The two administration members of the Katanga PA who participated in the RCPP workshop provided their collegues with a review of what they learned. This presentation included designing and facilitating training on the production of parliamentary documents. Sixty staff members attended the training which lasted two days and which the two participants used adult education techniques acquired during their internship at the National Parliament.

Coordination with IR1 to ensure the participation in the CRD launch.

South Kivu:

Activity IR2.1.14-5: Technical assistance was provided for the implementation of a plan of archiving and filing

Activity IR2.1.15-5: Installing a monitoring and evaluation system

Activity IR2.1.6-3: Review of the Provincial Assembly’s Financial and Administrative Regulations: the activity on "Technical Assistance to develop a manual of procedures" has indeed begun to Bukavu. The workshop took place on Tuesday the 26th. Since this date, set by the Provincial Assembly was scheduled for after the departure of the IR2 team, it was facilitated by PBG / South Kivu staff members, on the basis of instructions received from the Kinshasa team and, attended by the Provincial Assembly’s Executive and Engineering Directors. Examination of the Rules of Procedures has been completed while that of the Financial Regulations completed to Article 12 which was changed to Article 13. Another meeting should be scheduled to complete the Financial Regulations, which includes a total of 67 articles.

Activity IR2.1.15-2: Staff training workshops on IT use These workshops are organized in modules (word, office, internet, excel and powerpoint). Each module lasts five days and is provided by our provincial office IT manager.

Activity IR2.5.4-3: Review of the RCPP Parliamentary Workshop The two administration members of the Katanga PA who participated in the RCPP workshop provided their collegues with a review of what they learned. This presentation included designing and facilitating training on the production of parliamentary documents. Sixty staff members attended the training which lasted two days and which the two participants used adult education techniques acquired during their internship at the National Parliament.

PBG July 2011 Monthly Report – Page 5

Maniema:

Activity IR2.1.15-2: Staff training workshops on IT use These workshops are organized in modules (word, office, internet, excel and powerpoint). Each module lasts five days and is provided by our provincial office IT manager.

Bandundu:

Activity IR2.1.15-2: Staff training workshops on IT use These workshops are organized in modules (word, office, internet, excel and powerpoint). Each module lasts five days and is provided by our provincial office IT manager.

Activity IR2.1.15-3, 2.1.15-4: Training Staff members on Personnel, Inventory and Stock Management Thirty PA staff members participated in this workshop which was held on July 6-11. Facilitation was provided by PBG staff members from both the Bandundu and Kinshasa offices and was conducted on the Assembly premises. Participants included senior officers of the Administrative Direction and Divisions and the Administrative Services as well as some staff members from the Permanent Office. At the end of this workshop, which was highly appreciated by the participants, the Provincial Assembly President, in his closing remarks, paid a fitting tribute to USAID / DAI and the trainers for their fine quality work. Addressing the participants, he recalled that this workshop was the 13th organized by the USAID / DAI in favor of the Bandundu Provincial Assembly, adding that the acquisition of all this new knowledge should be beneficial to the institution where they must work as a team.

IR 3 – LAWS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR DECENTRALIZATION ESTABLISHED & IMPLEMENTED

Meetings held with other donors

World Bank/EU

Two Public Finance Management meeting were held at the EU’s offices during the month. The first was an opportunity to get feedback on the AB’s project, as described below. The second was held on July 25, and consisted mainly of a presentation by COREF to present their proposed methodology for implementing financial reforms. The trigger for this was the promulgation of the Public Finance law on July 17, which now allows implementation recommendations from a workshop held in October 2010.

These are wide ranging and cover the need for systems and training in the field of local and provincial revenue and expenditure management, computerized payroll management at provincial level and procurement management. The plan also includes training and technical assistance in the field of planning, budgeting monitoring and evaluation. Finally there is need to establish a regulatory framework for provincial and local financial management. This is described as the minimum platform which provinces are expected to establish.

Provinces are invited to apply for support from donors to establish their platform. To date, North Kivu has completed the exercise and established a road map for establishing the minimum platform with UNDP support. This is being followed by Katanga with World Bank support, to be followed by the other WB provinces of South Kivu, Bandundu and Kasai Occidental. The EU is preparing to assist Kinshasa in the same exercise, and Kasai Oriental and Equateur will be supported by UNDP before the end of the year.

I repeated our offer to fund the Chaîne de Dépenses training in Maniema, and said that we would request USAID to consider supporting a broader financial management program in Maniema. The representative of COREF said that, as originally conceived, the Chaîne de Dépenses was an automated on-line system linked to a central

PBG July 2011 Monthly Report – Page 6

computer, but until the hardware has been installed and a national system has been established, it may be operated manually.

Public Financial Management Working Group

The African Development Bank has been preparing an emergency budget support project, and a meeting of the PFM Donor Group was held at the EU offices on July 1 to discuss their proposals regarding the conditionalities for disbursement.

These conditionalities, (seven in all) largely relate to Government income, for example promulgation of the VAT law, the customs code, prevention of illegal border charges, adoption of a national tax and license code and standard budget lines. Once the government has met these benchmarks it will receive $40 million. The government has given the assurance that they expect to meet this target by September 2011. The second tranche of $20 will be paid out on meeting a total of eleven more targets, which it is hoped will be completed by March 2012.

We proposed that targets relating to decentralization should be included, namely implementation of the retrocession agreements in the constitution, and establishment of the Caisse de Perequation. Other donors agreed with this idea, but the ADB said that they could not add more conditions at this stage.

At a follow-up meeting held on July 25, we were informed that, due to the many comments on the original work, and the shortness of the previous trip, the consultants would be returning shortly.

Meetings held with counterpart organizations

Cellule Technique d’Appui à la Décentralisation (CTAD) - The meetings

We met CTAD on July18, to discuss the lack of progress in populating the web site on decentralization. CTAD had agreed to assemble all documents required and put them onto the site.

IR3 Programmatic Accomplishments

The IR3 team has started to prepare their third annual work plan. This has included an analysis of the activities which have been undertaken to date, and a prioritization in light of limited resources.

The findings from this initial analysis were presented to Tanya Urquieta and Agathe Tshimpanga on July 28. In spite of the delays in implementing decentralization legislation, the analysis showed that the project is starting to make a meaningful impact on good governance at the local level, and that its relation to central government is such that we can make a valuable contribution to the broader legislative framework. In this context good governance includes transparent budgeting and financial management, inclusion of civil society in planning and budgeting activities, reduction of corruption and unjust taxation by citizen participation, and increase in revenues through more effective and fairer collections.

Activity IR3.1.7-3 Inter-governmental thematic working groups Terms of reference for the final national level working groups are being prepared. They will allow the issues generated at the provincial level to be debated nationally, with representatives from each province and each arm of government present.

Activity IR3.1.8-3: The principles and practice of Decentralization: University Discussion Forums

PBG July 2011 Monthly Report – Page 7

The first event was held at the University of Kinshasa on June 29, and was conducting by our consultants Anselme Meya and Abraham Djamba. The proceedings were opened by a representative of CTAD, as main sponsor of the event. It was attended by 108 final year students, of whom 28 were women.

After presentations by the experts, the floor was opened to questions, moderated by Jean-Bernard Esole, communications advisor and representative of the Rector of the University. There was such interest that it was clear that on the next occasion it would be better to hold the session over two days, each of which would start with the presentation by a consultant, to be followed by debate.

Activity IR3.2.3-2 : Establishment of Multi-sectoral working groups on local taxation to reduce conflict and recommend and implement anti-corruption activities This activity aims to increase civil society involvement in matters of taxation and financial management, thereby increasing revenues and enhancing services. It is closely linked with activity 3.2.7 – 3, by sharing a consultant, but goes into much more depth. An international consultant will be leading the team. ETDs were chosen for having lower perceived levels of corruption in the PBG survey undertaken last year. They are Bukanga Lonzo, in Bandundu Province, and Kolwezi in Katanga. During the month planning for the activity was completed, and it is due to start in early August.

Coincidentally, the project received a request for a census of commercial taxpayers from the Mayor of Bukavu. We will use this request to form the basis for a similar project to involve civil society in Bukavu and will be able to use the lessons learned from these two pilots to design future activities on this subject.

Activity IR3.2.7-3: Technical assistance to ETDs to support financial management and monitoring The second phase of our program to increase transparency in the management of public accounts at the local level by involving civil society and ETD officials in joint trainings started in Maniema on July 5. The first ETD to be supported was Bangengele, which was followed by Wakabongo II and Alunguli. This activity is to be linked with our pilot anti-corruption project – see above.

Activity IR3.2.10.1: The role of the private sector in the provision of public services The February 2011 report with this title, that was prepared by Messrs Kraiem, Mudipano and Lumba, concentrated on the issue of partnerships with the private sector in the delivery of public services. In the closing workshop there was a request for more attention to be paid to the situation whereby private sector agencies (mainly faith-based institutions) are subsidized by the state in the provision of services. This is particularly important in the fields of education and health. Another matter not fully addressed in the report was that the unaided private sector is playing an important role in health and education which needs to be studied in terms of the quality and cost of service and the degree to which provision is regulated. A follow-up report was therefore completed during the month regarding these topics which will be discussed with UADS in August.

Activity IR3.2.10-1 Public Private Partnerships in the delivery of services at the local level During the month plans for the workshop to be held in Lubumbashi on August 10 were prepared. The workshop is designed for the two focal points/contact persons from each ETD. They will receive intensive training on the nature of PPPs, and how to prepare projects.

A consultant has been appointed to provide technical support for the PPP project, by undertaking feasibility studies of the projects. On the basis of these studies, it is expected the ETDs will be able to prioritize their choices and actively start to identify potential private sector partners.

Activity IR3.2.10-5 Community/Provincial collaboration in preparing environmental regulations Talks resumed with a potential consultant to prepare the proposed activity in conformity with USAID guidelines concerning environmental projects. It is hoped to develop this within the month of August.

PBG July 2011 Monthly Report – Page 8

Activity IR3.2.12-5: Feasibility Studies for small projects proposed under ETD Action Plans This activity was originally intended to start in March, but was postponed at USAID request in light of concerns regarding environmental regulations. Following the successful trial run of the environmental assessment tool in Bukanga Lonzo last month it was decided to proceed. One consultant has been appointed for Katanga, and will start in August. Requests to appoint consultants for Maniema and South Kivu will be submitted in August.

A list of all projects proposed under the Action Plans in the three ETDs in Katanga is included as Annex 1. From this list we have proposed three or four for Feasibility Studies. The projects have been selected for their simplicity and low environmental impact. (Note: to assist in cross referencing the table with the main reports, the original project numbers have been included in column 1. The priorities of the workshop are provided in column 2.)

It will be noted that some projects have been proposed for PPPs. This fact is noted in column 4.

Activity IR3.5.3-4 Round Table of Women Leaders On 12 – 14 July there was a workshop on advocacy regarding women’s issues for members of the provincial and national executive committees. On July 19, this was followed by a meeting between the participants to discuss what they had learned and how to apply it.

Activity IR3.1.7 – 3: Diagnostic study of administrative powers

The contracts for both consultants for this work have been issued, and they will start work at the beginning of next month.

PBG July 2011 Monthly Report – Page 9

Upcoming Activities (August 2011)

Timing Activity IR Location 7/1 2.1.15-2 WKP: Formation du personnel des assemblees a l'utilisation des IT IR2 Bandundu

7/1 1.1.3-5 WKP Initiation au module Power Point(OSC, Gouvernement IR1 Kindu Provincial)

7/1 2.1.15-5 WKP Mise en place d'un systeme de suivi et evaluation IR2 South Kivu

7/4-7/7 1.1.3-5Emission cercle des femmes : Les femmes doivent battre campagne IR1 South Kivu pour leurs consoeurs (SFCG, 3 femmes leaders, media Radio Star, CBS, SS) 7/6-7/9 2.1.15-3 WKP Formation des cadres des Assemblees a la gestion des IR2 Bandundu equipes (Staff administratifs des AssPro) 7/5-7/8 1.1.3- Formation en internet avec les partenaires (GP,OSC) IT IR1 Maniema

7/6- 3.2.9-3 / 3.2.9-4 TA Suivi et accompagnement en Gestion Financiere et IR3 Maniema 7/7/23 Processus budgetaire 7/6-7/23 3.2.7-3 WKP Formation en Suivi et Evaluation et Assistance Technique (ETD IR3 Maniema Bangengele) 7/4-7/6 1.13-5 Emission cercle des femmes : Les femmes doivent battre campagne IR1 South Kivu pour leurs consoeurs (SFCG, 3 femmes leaders, media Radio Star, CBS, SS) 7/4-7/9 2.1.15-5 Mise en place place suivi et evaluation (staff Ass. Prov) IR2 South Kivu

7/4-7/9 2.1.14-5 TA Mise en place d'un plan d'archivage et de classement IR2 Katanga (Assemblee Provinciale) 7/11 1.1.3-5 Formation en internet avec les partenaires (GP,OSC) IT IR1 Maniema

7/11- 3.2.9-3 / 3.2.9-4 TA Suivi et accompagnement en Gestion Financiere et IR3 Maniema 7/16 Processus budgetaire

3.2.7-3 WKP Formation en Suivi et Evaluation et Assistance Technique (ETD IR3 Maniema Bangengele) 7/11- 3.2.9-3 / 3.2.9-4 TA Suivi et accompagnement en Gestion Financiere et IR3 Maniema 7/17 Processus budgetaire 7/18- 3.2.7-3 WKP Formation en Suivi et Evaluation et Assistance Technique (ETD IR3 Maniema 7/23 Wakabango) 7/20 1.1.3-5 EV Lancement des CRD- PBG, USAID, US Enbassy IR1 Kin,Maniema, Bdd,SK,Kat 7/22 1.2.2-2 Audience Publique Quid de la Gestion des mater genie civile au IR1 Bandundu Bandundu? Dep prov, Minist Prov ITPR, OSC 7/22 1.2.2-2 Audience Public Budget 2011 au Sud Kivu, 7% alloue a la Sante : IR1 South Kivu Bilan 1er semestre OSC AFEJUCO, Ministere Sante, Commiss Soc Cultur 7/22 1.1.3-5 Cine forum ; Les mefaits et consequences du travail des enfants IR1 Katanga mineurs dans les mines au Katanga (tous les partenaires du PBG: AP, GP,OSC)

PBG July 2011 Monthly Report – Page 10

Programme de Bonne Gouvernance ENGAGE Task Order DFD-I-01-08-00071-00

Monthly Report: August 2011 Activities

PBG Background

DAI began mobilizing the Programme de Bonne Gouvernance (PBG) on October 1, 2009. With a ceiling price of $36,251,768 for a five-year (three years with two option years) program. The program purpose is to improve management capacity and accountability of select legislatures and local governments. The program focuses on three categories of partners: Parliamentary institutions at the central and provincial level Public institutions having a stake and role in decentralization; and Civil society and community-based organizations

PBG’s three Intermediate Results (IRs) are: IR 1 Citizens demand accountability IR 2 Selected parliaments are more democratic and effective IR 3 Laws, policies and procedures for decentralization established and implemented

Overall Political Context

At the National Level:

The National Assembly

 After opening Saturday, August 6 for the extraordinary session of both Houses, a meeting of the Conference of Presidents was convened on Monday, August 8 and voted to schedule the next session the following day.  The draft law annexes to the electoral law were passed in different terms by both houses of the national parliament. The divergences were resolved by the National Assembly-Senate joint committee whose final version was adopted without debate on August 16-17. Ultimately, that committee has retained the following title: “Law on the distribution of seats in the parliamentary and provincial elections”. The promulgation was announced on the evening of August 17.  The Senate passed the bill amending and supplementing Law No. 08/012 of July 31, 2008 on the fundamental principles of free administration in the provinces to harmonize this law on one hand with the new law on public finances (examined in the regular sessions of the provincial assemblies from March 30 to June 29 and September 30 to December 29) and secondly, with the constitutional revision of January 20, 2011. (An option is now available that allows the Head of State to dissolve a Provincial Assembly or dismiss the governor of a province). This text was sent to the National Assembly to be examined for a second time.  At its plenary session on August 22, 2011, the Senate rejected the bill establishing a special court to try criminals for genocide and human rights violations on two grounds; that the law on the organization, operations and jurisdictions of courts of the judicial system gives these materials has been the Court of Appeal and that the bill in question would create a discrimination between national judges and foreign judges.  Since August 26, the plenary of the National Assembly was suspended to allow members to prepare for national filing their nominations for elections on November 28, filing for which the deadline has been extended to September 11, 2011 . PBG August 2011 Monthly Report – Page 1

Political and social events

 Beginning in August, the opposition political parties boycotted the signing of the code of conduct for political parties that the CENI had proposed for the holding of peaceful elections. Among the prerequisites they have raised, are including access to the central server, the audit of the electoral register and publication of the voters list.  On August 9, 2011, Etienne Tshisekedi, UDPS leader, returned to the capital after a long tour that brought him to Europe, America, Africa and South Katanga. He immediately went to the Stade des Martyrs to host a popular meeting which attracted an impressive crowd.  A Presidential decree appointed the members of the High Council of Audiovisual Communication on August 12 has surprised the public as it did not include Martin MUKANYA, delegate of the Congolese Media Observatory, who had been nominated by his peers. A group of media organizations announced the intention to request the cancellation of this decree.  A crisis meeting held August 15 at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) was held to calm the growing tension between on the one hand, the Chairman of CENI on the other hand, the Vice President and Assistant Rapporteur, who had threatened to resign because of Pastor Mulundu’s "dictatorial tendencies".  On August 24, the leader of the UDPS Etienne Tshisekedi was designated by a score of political parties and groups of the opposition as the "unique" candidate of the opposition. Other opposition parties such as the MLC of Jean-Pierre Bemba and the UNC of Vital Kamerhe opposed the appointment.  On August 26 media professionals held on a protest march against the National Deputy Yves Kisombe, who a few days earlier had violently abused a journalist from a local radio station. The event ended at the Palais du Peuple where a memo was submitted to the National Assembly President. In addition the protesters announced a 6-month media blackout on any news associated with Kisombe as a penalty.  On 26 to 27 August 26-27, the second Conference of Governors, chaired by President Kabila was held in Kinshasaa. This Conference resulted in several recommendations, including a suggestion to the central government to "increase the percentage of revenue retro ceded back the Provinces" and to all institutions to "take appropriate measures to assure that general elections to take place in a secure and peaceful environment”.

Security news

 Observers of the Committee on Human Rights (CODHO) denounced the kidnapping of 20 people, most of whom are from the province of Equateur, on the night of 8 to 9 August 2011 in the Funa district in Limete. The kidnapping was carried out by elements of the Congolese National Police and soldiers of the FARDC. Since then, the Government has provided no explanation of for this event, leaving entire families in distress.

South Kivu:

The Provincial Assembly

 During the three sessions held in the Provincial Assembly from the opening budgetary session of the current budget include: o A plenary session which was devoted to the Provincial Government report on the 2011 Budget 2011. MPs were critical of the report because they found no accomplishments in their territories and constituencies. The Minister was given a one-week deadline for amendments reflecting reality. o A plenary session was devoted to an oral question to the Minister of Transportation and Communication on the allocation of seven speedboats by the Provincial Government, and the

PBG August 2011 Monthly Report – Page 2

use of Lake Kivu ferry to render the island of Idjwi island more accessible and the issue of SNCC, which is said to be poorly managed. The Minister promised to address the concerns of the MP conducting the questioning who appeared to be dissatisfied with the responses.

Political and social events

 Drinking water and electricity have become rare commodities in Bukavu. The rotation of the distribution of electricity had exceeded acceptable levels, while water supply has become erratic. The Mayor’s office has commenced an initiative to distribute water-based tanks installed at intersections.

Security news

 The security situation in the South Kivu province was very tense this month. Assassinations, hostage- taking, the circulation of small arms in and a proliferation of increasingly growing armed groups in various villages have characterized the security environment in the province.

Bandundu:

Current political and social news

 News of the province was marked by the bi-yearly review of the 2011 provincial health sector, the declaration of the governor of the start-up of construction of the central market for the second time and a training seminar on the organization of cooperatives and processing of fishery products and the organization of a workshop on the initiative against poverty by strengthening social dialogue in Bandundu.

Maniema:

The Provincial Assembly

 During the budget session the Provincial Assembly has organized numerous activities, including: o Interrogation of the provincial minister responsible for infrastructure due to the resurfacing of roads in Kindu. He was requested to justify the allocation of $ 2,700,000/km instead of the international standard of $ 1,000,000/km. The Minister responded that the provincial government was not involved in negotiating this contract which was conducted by the central government in Kinshasa. o Interrogation of the provincial minister of mines on the exploitation of the Salamabila mine by the company Banroo. The Minister also responded that he was not involved in contract negotiations which took place between Banroo and the central government. o The interrogation of the Provincial Finance Minister, Director of DIREMA, director of the DGM and the provincial medical inspector to enquire about the collection of numerous taxes at the airport of Kindu, without issuing receipts or any other supporting documentation. Not satisfied with the explanations provided by these people, the MPs have decided to create a commission to examine issue in more detail.

Political and social events

PBG August 2011 Monthly Report – Page 3

 More than a thousand cases of malaria, including four deaths were recorded in the Kindu health zone. According to the city’s chief medical officer, the majority of the victims in are pregnant women and children aged 0 to 5 years.  The Provincial Coordinator of of the political party FONUS, the opposition party was arrested on August 24th by officers of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR). He is accused of making comments discourteous to the President of the Republic. Security news

 The National Defense Minister paid a visit to Kindu accompanied by the General in charge of Land Forces to enquire about the security situation and urged the armed forces to perform well during this pre-election.

Katanga

The Provincial Assembly

 After leaving the UNADEF political party, the Provincial Assembly Questor was challenged by several members of his former party who have initiated the process of replacing him.

Political and social events

 The most significant event of this period was Etienne Tshisekedi’s visit to Katanga where he stayed from July 29th to August 07th. During his stay, he held meetings in Lubumbashi, Kasumbalesa, Kipushi, Likasi and Kolwezi where he raised awareness in respect to the electoral process and presented his party’s social plan.

Security

 Several cases of murder and theft were reported in Kolwezi. This situation was exacerbated by electrical blackouts due to electrical distribution rotations in some parts of the city

Key Activities and Actions by IR

IR 1 – CITIZEN DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY Meetings with other donor or counterpart organizations None

Meetings with PBG partner organizations

CEPAS -A meeting was held this month with Father Ferdinand Muhigirwa of CEPAS. The aim of the meeting was to discuss and come to agreement on two issues. First, it has been agreed that PBG will collaborate with GIZ in organizing a 10-day training program on advocacy related to revenue transparency. In co-sponsoring the event, PBG will now have access to trained facilitators who understand issues related to revenue transparency and can undertake training on behalf of PBG in targeted provinces as well as Kinshasa. As CEPAS will host the event at its facilities, PBG will contract with CEPAS directly since it cannot make a funds transfer to another donor agency. CEPAS, a highly regarded Jesuit-run civil society research agency has agreed to play this role. Secondly, PBG has asked CEPAS if it will support the PBG website www.gouvernancepourtous.cd in training and overseeing the work of data collectors. CEPAS is much better equipped than CENADEP to play this role and CENADEP has acknowledged this fact. CEPAS has thus agreed to play this role and in so doing work closely with principal website coordinating agency, CENADEP. The main challenge at present is to

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determine a funding mechanism for a CEPAS partnership. A grant mechanism has been proposed and CEPAS is preparing a proposal submission.

CENADEP-In a meeting held with CENADEP, CENADEP agreed to the website partnership with CEPAS. CENADEP has also agreed to participate in the planned virtual exchange with Nigerian civil society representatives as well as with linking the youth groups affiliated with CENADEP to PBG consultants who have been engaged to assist in promoting youth involvement in democracy promotion when they visit during the month of August.

CONAFED-PBG was approached by CONAFED, one of the oldest networks of women-focused civil society organizations in the DRC. CONAFED seeks support for promoting increased women involvement in the upcoming elections as candidates and in other influential roles. In response, PBG made it clear that it was not in a position to support or even train women candidates as that would be the role of USAID election partners. However, PBG did explore the possibility of working with CONAFED on policy issues that women voters would want candidates to address. However, it has been subsequently decided that this assistance will not be provided since CONAFED is a national organization and not one of the targeted provincial partners. LA JEUNESSE The PBG IR1 team received a visit from representatives of La Jeunesse, an organization active on the campus of University of Kinshasa. Representatives wished to acquaint PBG with youth initiatives related to the promotion of democracy and governance. During the meeting they agreed with the idea that there is a need to redefine how youth relate to governing structures given that direct confrontation often leads to violent crackdown. They also agreed that given that student leaders, more often than not, exhibit disturbingly similar tendencies towards autocracy and corruption displayed by current politicians and government leaders, there is a need to look inward and conduct campus dialogues in which participants will reflect on how they can avoid repeating leadership approaches that have not served to advance the interests of Congo society as a whole. Given the decision taken not to support national or Kinshasa-based organization, a partnership with La Jeunesse will no longer be pursued.

Nigeria Exchange The proposed virtual exchange between Nigerian and Congolese civil society activists is now planned for the final week in September. The project has been delayed by the difficulty in finding the optimum means to facilitate virtual communication between the two sides. Opportunities have now emerged for making use of either USAID or World Bank facilities. In both cases, permission is still being sought from representatives of both institutions on the Nigeria side.

Programmatic Accomplishments The

Activity IR1.1.3 (SA5): CRD Development

In South Kivu, a group of deputies received training on MS-Office and Internet browsing at the PBG CRD. The staff of a local civil society organization also received the same training. Also at the S. Kivu PBG CRD, a panel discussion on the challenges and potential opportunities and contributions of the mining sector to South Kivu’s provincial budget, was moderated by Mr Cyprian Birhingingwa CENADEP with the participation of the provincial Ministry of Mines.

In Bandundu, CRD-based level training for the administration of the Provincial Assembly was conducted over a 10-day period. Once again, the training in which 20 members of the provincial assembly administration and political staff participated, focused on basic MS-Office software and the Internet.

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In Katanga, the CRD has hosted a training workshop in IT (Spreadsheets, Excel, PowerPoint and Internet) for the ten members of the provincial and local governments. The same workshop on the same computer modules are being prepared for the ten staff members of organizations of civil society.

In Maniema, the CRD has been hectic with 2 conferences, training sessions and the normal traffic associated with conducting research online. The two conferences were both lively featuring active participation by all participants. The theme of the first focused on the level of citizen participation as an indicator of good governance. It was attended by 38 participants including 11 women. The second conference addressed the theme, the level of investment in education in Maniema She gathered 34 participants among whom there was the presence of 8 women. The training sessions once again involved the training of administrative staff of the provincial assembly in MS Windows and Office and involved the 19 participants, including one woman. The level of usage of the CRD this month reached a high of 379 people. Only 11 women were recorded. The low rate of participation of women needs special attention in order to identify strategies to increase that number. The sector breakdown of participants is as follows: 248 users from civil society, 121 from the provincial assembly 121 people, 5 from the provincial government and 5 from international NGOs. Further analysis of this data reveals a daily average visitation rate of 13 users. The civil society numbers are high presumably because of the limited access to computers or the Internet elsewhere. In the case of the provincial assembly, there are essentially no connections to the Internet. The provincial government on the other hand, owns its own V-SAT which explains the relatively low rate of visitors from that group.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 (SA3): Circle of Women

In Bandundu, Madame Marie Louise MASAMBA the general hospital of Bandundu Ville and Mandak Elvira hosted a program in advocacy for women under the theme "Reducing the rate of infant and maternal mortality", dated August 18, 2011 . This program was broadcast in three partner radio stations which Bangu FM Radio, FM and Bandundu AMEN FM for 30 minutes.

In Katanga, coaching of women speakers was conducted in connection with the production of a show on "The electoral law and the associated challenges for women candidates."

Activity 1R1.1.3 / 5 (SA5) - Legislative Testimony Training In Bandundu during this period, organizations of civil society (CSOs) from Kikwit, Bandunduville and Bukangalonzo attended training on preparing legislative testimony for legislative hearings. Some deputies and administrative staff of the provincial assembly of Bandundu were also invited by PBG to observe and take part in this training. Although CSOs themselves cannot alone formally initiate a legislative hearing, they learned that they can nevertheless play a central role in bringing one about through establishing close relationships with deputies and committee chairs and working closely with them on issues that require hearings for oversight, representation or law-making purposes. In particular, participating CSO representatives were led through a process of discovering how to master the ins and outs of a legislative testimony. In the process, they learned how to become more active in the legislative process especially by encouraging committee members to hold hearings that can better inform law- making or that can shed more light on issues that require a thorough investigation to uncover hidden truths.

Activity IR1.1.3/5 & IR1.2.3: CSO Good Governance Website Development The data collection activities are continuing normally. This month has been more characterized by the identification of data collectors at all levels. The process of developing a system for collecting data at all levels is also on-going.

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Activity IR1.1.5 (SA2): Grants In general, the implementation of grants continues normally in all provinces. The summary assessment of the first reports showed that CSOs partners have not yet mastered or even fully understood all of the concepts and strategies associated with good governance related advocacy. The general trend observed is that of “reverting” to the “comfort zone” of “sensibilisation,” the niche that CSOs carved out for themselves during the Mobuto era. There is thus the need to continue to reinforce the notion that to the extent civic education forms part of advocacy, it is mainly an element used to build support for an advocacy campaign. As an illustration, some CSOs collect data that serves a purpose other than advocacy or have no identified target for advocacy campaigns other than the population in general. As a result, workshops become stand- alone civic education, training or sectoral analysis workshops as opposed to workshops that focus on constituency building for an advocacy cause or strategizing on how to influence changes in laws or policies. The hierarchy model of governance seems too entrenched in the minds of civil society actors and as a result will require more intensive intervention to change mental models and approaches. All its imperfections demonstrate the importance of experiential learning in which PBG can lead partners through actual advocacy process. A more intensive focus on this approach is being planned for Year 3.

Activity 1R1.2.2 (SA2): Audiences Publique at Provincial Level In Maniema, a partner organization, ALFED facilitated a dialogue that allowed the mayor to Alunguli to address citizens on the theme: State of taxation in the municipality of Alunguli and delivery of municipal services to the market This AP was attended by 64 people including 34 women, mostly from the market. This meeting has resulted in positive and constructive interactions between the local authority, on the one hand, and citizens on the other. In particular it led to recommendations to curb the harassment, some of which have been implemented already.

Activity IR1. 3.-1.1 .. 5. Youth-led Democracy Program One of the most exciting projects of the month was the “Youth-led Democracy” project through which PBG hosted 3 international consultants from the US, Canada and Senegal to share their experiences with harnessing the energy of youth and linking it to messaging through rap, story-telling and music in order to effect social change. Towards this end, the consultants led discussions in Kinshasa, Kikwit (where a third of participants came from Bandundu Ville) and Bukavu which brought together rap artists, musicians, civil society activists and youth groups to reflect on the challenges associated with involving youth more actively in driving positive social change and in particular good governance. A point of departure for the discussions was the Senegal model depicted in a film called Democracy in Dakar produced by Ben Herson, one of the 3 consultants and the founder of Nomadic Wax, an organization dedicated to using media to promote social change. The film is particularly good at depicting the extent to which youth are used and manipulated by politicians as they were by President Wade in his first successful bid for the presidency and thus challenged to resist such manipulation and self-organize and channel their energies into forces for positive change.

Results Key results of this process included the following:  The process dispelled popular myths and stereotypes held by older civil society activists towards young rappers, musicians and youth in general. The workshops helped remove some inter- generational prejudice and taught participants about advocacy and community participation.  Links were consolidated among disparate groups and all expressed keen interest to not only maintain contact but to organize periodic meetings through which they could continue to co-create advocacy strategies using art and culture (with an emphasis on music, poetry and rap) as the principal medium for building a constituency for change.  Youth and young musicians and rappers developed a heightened appreciation for the role they can play in leading change processes in their country.

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 Three songs with messages about social and political change and/or governance were recorded and they may be played on local radio stations and abroad. The songs particularly capture the hopes and aspirations of youth for the future of the DRC.  Artists in Kikwit and Bandundu were especially appreciative of the opportunity to develop connections since they remain mostly isolated from each other because of distance and poor infrastructure that inhibits their coming together on a regular basis.

Anecdotes indicating level of Impact Below are listed a few anecdotes that help to illustrate the impact of this event  In Bandundu Ville, Jethro, a young rap artist who participated in the workshop in Kikwit has been invited to the local radio station for three emissions and was expected to participate in one more emission in the post-workshop phase to discuss youth leadership in society, youth activism and the importance of culture. In his evaluation form, Jethro mentioned that he is now aware of the power he has to educate fellow citizens on a broad scale and that he has thus committed to participating more actively in developing his country by using his talent to promote social change.  In Bukavu, in response to the strong demand generated by the workshop for logistical support for continue linking youth and their popular culture mediums to social change, the PBG CRD committed to making its facilities available for this purpose and as a space that can serve as a meeting place among youth, civil society activists and musicians on an on-going basis.  In Kinshasa, a strong network of activists and conscious musicians was created and they already initiated their first advocacy campaign together by mobilizing support for and participation in a peaceful protest in front of SNEL on August, 21st to bring awareness to the lack of electricity in Kinshasa.  A young Slam artist expressed his willingness to organize writing workshops with children in and out of school to promote the value of words and poetry. Finally, it should be noted that a full multi-media report is being prepared by the consultants that should be available by the end of September.

Activity IR1.1.2-1/2: Search for Common Ground

After focusing on Kindu for intensive coaching last month, SFCG, during the month of August, has invested in the province of Lubumbashi. In particular, only JUA TV in Lubumbashi benefited from coaching by SFCG during this period.

During this period, a total of 8 local productions were made during this period including a radio program on governance in Bukavu, two Circles of Women radio broadcasts in Kindu and Bukavu, 2 TV productions and a Circle of Women TV production as follows: • Bukavu: 2 radio broadcasts; • Bandundu: 2 Productions FM Radio Bandundu; • Lubumbashi: 3 JUA TV Productions; • Kindu: 1 Productions Radio TV Maniema.

IR 2 – SELECTED PARLIAMENTS ARE MORE DEMOCRATIC AND EFFECTIVE

Meetings with other donor or counterpart organizations

• The Legislative Advisor DAI / PBG participated in a meeting of the Sub theme group "Support for Parliaments" Thursday, August 4, 2011 in the Senate. The agenda included the following points: 1) discussing the feasibility of a Parliamentary training structure in the DRC (the creation of the National School of Administration with a cyclic structure for the training of parliamentary staff has been agreed upon in principle, PBG August 2011 Monthly Report – Page 8

a project that will at first be submitted to the DRC political authorities for approval), 2) exchanging strategies for the review of regulatory frameworks (it was decided to organize an exchange workshop based on a study carried out by the National Assembly’s research office on the reviewing these different approaches, a workshop with the participation of partners’ experts on supporting parliaments, the IUP experts and some senators and national MPs. The period indicated is February-March 2012.

• Work sessions with representatives of the EU Parliamentary Support Program: on the 9th and the 22nd of August 2011, the PBG legislative strengthening team has met with the EU Parlamentary Support Program in order to share information / documents and work to advance the project of reviewing regulatory approaches for the National Assembly. Both teams have already decided to start to support the design offices of the National Parliament in preparation for this review.

• Working meeting with the representative of UNDP Governance Policy: August 23, 2011, the Deputy Legislative Advisor PBG met with the representative of UNDP Governance Policy, at the invitation of the latter who is requesting the involvement of PBG in its proposed publication of the annals of the National Assembly. Unable to bear the cost estimated by the UNDP staff, the PBG is considering a limited intervention, including the publication of a dozen copies and production of CDs that can be used in the national parliament documents center. Working session with the Belgian Technical Cooperation Parliamentary Support Program representative: August 26, 2011, the IR2 team accompanied the PBG Provincial Activities Coordinator met with the representative of the Parliamentary Support Program of the BTC with the objective of obtaining details of Senators who may be involved in a project related to the development of a practical Guide for Provincial Assemblies. During this encounter, the two parties agreed upon organizing jointly a series of workshops for participants returning from the RCPP training session on parliamentary documents to share what they learned with their colleagues in the Bandundu and Maniema Provincial Assemblies.

IR 2 Programmatic Accomplishments

Maniema

Activity IR2.1.15-2: Staff training meetings on the use of IT

This workshop focused on five modules including: Windows, introduction to the Internet, Word, Excel and Powerpoint and lasted nineteen days, a first group of ten participants included one a woman.

Activity IR2.1.15-3: Executive Education of the Provincial Assembly in Personnel Management

The workshop started on August 26 and included 30 active participants. Beneficiaries were diligent and eager to learn. They thus, at the end of this activity, praised the initiative of the PBG.

Katanga

Activity IR2.1.3-3 & 2.1.3-4: Workshop on legislative and financial autonomy within the constitutional framework for decentralization and technical assistance:

This workshop was conducted on August 11-12 and was attended by 48 people including 15 PA members who were active participants throughout the entire length of the workshop. The session on technical assistance targeting the Bureau and the administration took place on August 13 and

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included 18 participants including 4 women and 6 MPs including the PA’s Questeur.

Activity IR2.3.1-2: Introductory Seminar on control mechanisms

This seminar was held on August 22-24. While 50 people were expected, the discussion group included 52 active participants including 9 MPs.

South Kivu:

Activity IR2.1.15-2: Staff training meetings on the use of IT

This workshop began August 2, 2011 for the first group of 10 participants and continued through the end of the reporting period. Participants were interested to the point to where they proposed that training can continue throughout the day when it was scheduled half-days so as not to hamper their work.

Activity IR2.1.15-3: Staff training on Personnel Management

Of the 19 participants expected, all 19 participated. The work of the crosscutting issues was characterized by lively and animated debates filled with passion about certain issues. Participants acknowledged their limitations in this area and their frankness has allowed them to more easily learn to improve their work.

IR 3 – LAWS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES FOR DECENTRALIZATION ESTABLISHED & IMPLEMENTED

Political events that affected IR3

A Conference of Governors was held without prior publicity on August 27 and 28 in Kinshasa. Although, in terms of the constitution, it is supposed to be held twice a year, this is only the second Conference to be held. The previous one was held in Kisangani in June 2009, and the next had been planned for Mbandaka. In the event the conference was held in Kinshasa. The proceedings took 1½ days, but the official record of the event is very brief. The issues of importance to the project were:  The Governors expressed their concern regarding government’s failure to meet the requirement of the constitution to allow the provinces to retain 40% of their incomes.  General support for the draft law on local taxation, with a recommendation that it is finalized with input from experts and the Governors themselves.

Meetings held with other donors

None

Meetings held with counterpart organizations

Cellule Technique d’Appui à la Décentralisation (CTAD) - The IR3 team met CTAD on July18, to discuss the lack of progress in populating the web site on decentralization. CTAD had agreed to assemble all documents required and put them onto the site. They also met on August 29th and 30th in connection with the study concerning the Transfert de Compétences – this is discussed below.

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Projet de renforcement des capacités de gouvernance (PRCG) This is the World Bank project which operates, among others, in Katanga, Bandundu, South Kivu. There is therefore potential for synergy between the two projects which has been discussed at the managerial level, but not at the working level.

Of particular interest is their experience in implementing the new Chaîne de Dépenses accounting system that is supposed to be applied throughout the DRC. Under the auspices of the inter-donor Public Finance Group coordinated by the World Bank, PBG has offered to conduct the training in Maniema, as USAID is the only donor working in that province.

In discussions with the PRCG, we learned that Katanga is being used as a pilot province, but to date implementation has only just begun. It appears that they are taking the matter slowly in order to gain the essential support of the provincial leadership. They have not yet developed modules for the training, nor commissioned trainers for the task. An important factor is the new Public Finance law that was promulgated last month. The existing accounting manuals must all be adapted to meet the requirements of the new law – a process which is expected to take up to six months to complete

Programmatic Accomplishments under IR3 The team has started to prepare their third annual work plan. This has included an analysis of the activities that have been undertaken to date, and a prioritization in light of limited resources. The first complete draft of the work plan was completed during the month.

Activity IR3.1.2.3: Creating a decentralization website for CTAD

As reported above, a further effort is being made to populate the web site with the collaboration of the web- site designer and CTAD staff. One problem has been that it has been difficult for CTAD to obtain original documents: the ones submitted to date have been in .pdf format which poses some limitations as far as data manipulation is concerned. A series of training and data assembly meetings have been planned by the consultant with CTAD, and it is hoped that the site will be operational by the end of September.

Activity IR3.1.6-5: Strategy on the transfer of powers This study was launched at a meeting held in CTAD on August 30, attended by the “focal points” of most of the affected Ministries. The purpose of the meeting was to solicit support for the study and ensure the cooperation of the affected Ministries.

At the meeting the Coordinator of CTAD, Mr J. Makolo, stated that a meeting of the Inter-ministerial Steering Committee on Decentralization is to be held in early October, and it is hoped to present some preliminary findings from this report and the one of administrative powers (see below) to the Committee – if only in draft form.

Activity IR3.1.8-2: Diagnostic study of administrative powers The study started on August 22 and field work is expected to be started by September 15, and the report finished by the end of October. The work has been delayed due to prior commitments of one of the consultants.

Activity IR3.1.7-3: Inter-governmental thematic working groups Inter-governmental thematic working groups have been held in all Provinces, and it is now proposed to hold one at the National Level. At a meeting held on August 24 with CTAD it was agreed to use the opportunity to examine fiscal decentralization. We shall prepare the terms of reference in collaboration with CTAD and a working group will be established to make an inventory of financial decentralization since 2007.

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Activity IR3.2.3-2: Establishment of Multi-sectoral working groups on local taxation to reduce conflict and recommend and implement anti-corruption activities This activity aims to increase civil society involvement in matters of taxation and financial management, thereby increasing revenues and enhancing services. It is closely linked with activity 3.2.7 – 3, by sharing a consultant, but goes into much more depth. An international consultant will be leading the team. ETDs were chosen for having lower perceived levels of corruption in the PBG survey undertaken last year. They are Bukanga Lonzo, in Bandundu Province, and Kolwezi in Katanga. During the month planning for the activity was completed, and it is due to start in early August.

Coincidentally, the project received a request for a census of commercial taxpayers from the Mayor of Bukavu. We will use this request to form the basis for a similar project to involve civil society in Bukavu and will be able to use the lessons learned from these two pilots to design future activities on this subject.

Activity IR3.2.7-3: Technical assistance to ETDs to support financial management and monitoring The second phase of our program to increase transparency in the management of public accounts at the local level by involving civil society and ETD officials in joint trainings started in Maniema on July 5. This was followed by visits to Bukanga Lonzo and Kolwezi, the two ETDs included in our pilot anti-corruption project – see above. After that, the consultant has remained in Katanga, starting with Likasi, to be followed by Kadutu commune in Lubumbashi.

Activity IR3.2.10-6: The role of the private sector in the provision of public services The February 2011 report with this title, that was prepared by Messrs Kraiem, Mudipano and Lumba, concentrated on the issue of partnerships with the private sector in the delivery of public services. The follow- up report has been translated and sent to UADS for comment.

Activity IR3.2.10-1: Public Private Partnerships in the delivery of services at the local level The workshop was held in Lubumbashi on August 11-13. The workshop is designed for the two focal points/contact persons from each ETD. Fortunately, senior representatives participated: the Deputy Mayors of Likasi and Kolwezi were present and the Bourgmestre of Kadutu. All three brought senior administrative staff as well. They received intensive training on the nature of PPPs, and how to prepare projects, mainly through role play and guidance on the issues to be considered.

A consultant has been appointed to undertake feasibility studies of the PPP projects, and he started his work immediately after the workshop. On the basis of his studies, it is expected the ETDs will be able to prioritize their choices and actively start to identify potential private sector partners. A spreadsheet has been developed which ensures that all financial criteria for feasibility are included in any assessment.

Activity IR3.2.12-5: Feasibility Studies for small projects proposed under ETD Action Plans: Katanga, Maniema and South Kivu The consultant for Katanga started in mid-August. He is undertaking feasibility studies for the PPP projects at the same time.

Activity IR3.5.3-4 Round Table of Women Leaders (Femmes Leaders du Secteur Publique (FELSP)) Work continues to implement the action plan proposed. Terms of reference are being prepared. However, the action plan has not been linked to financial resources, and there may be a need to reassess it in light of possible limitations. They are preparing a budget for their activities in the coming year to permit the PBG support to be used to greatest effect.

Meanwhile the FELSP Constitution has been prepared and signed by members of the group in Maniema. It is currently waiting signature by the members in Bandundu.

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