Global Witness - Breaking the links between natural resources, conflict and corruption
Democratic Republic of Congo
View latest releases on the DRC
Global Witness's campaign on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) covers a broad range of issues relating to the exploitation of the country's rich and diverse natural resources. Resources such as timber, diamonds, gold, coltan and cassiterite (tin ore) have directly fuelled one of Africa's most brutal wars and have contributed to grave human rights abuses by Congolese and foreign actors during the conflict. Politicians, military and militia groups have plundered the country's natural wealth and used it to enrich themselves at the detriment of the population. Global Witness's campaign aims to document, expose and ultimately break these links.
Global Witness has also documented other problems in the natural resource sector in the DRC, including extensive corruption, lack of transparency and life-threatening labour conditions. The findings of our research are published in reports, briefings and news releases which are widely distributed inside and outside the DRC.
Global Witness staff regularly visit the DRC and neighbouring countries for in-depth field research and advocacy with Congolese and international actors. We maintain close working relationships with Congolese activists and international organisations concerned about abuses in the natural resource sector. We also engage in dialogue with donor governments, United Nations agencies, international financial institutions and companies about ways of improving the management of the DRC's natural resources to ensure that they contribute to the development of the country and to raising the living standards of the Congolese population.
Latest Publications
September 2010
Global Witness stands by findings on Sudanese oil data
Global Witness today refuted claims that it had apologized for the findings of its September 2009 report, Fuelling Mistrust, on the lack of transparency in Sudan's oil sector. The organisation said that although very important commitments on improving transparency were made recently by the Government of National Unity (GoNU), the full disclosure of oil revenue data and the results of an independent audit remain necessary to prove the concerns were unfounded.
August 2010
Global Witness welcomes Norwegian government disinvestment from predatory loggers Samling
Global Witness welcomes the Norwegian Government Pension Fund's decision to disinvest from the notorious Malaysian timber giant Samling. Global Witness has previously exposed illegal logging by Samling in Cambodia as well as evidence of legal breaches by two Samling-associated companies in Liberia.
Global Witness welcomes new commitment to transparency in Sudan
Global Witness has participated in a landmark seminar on oil revenue transparency in Khartoum, organised by the Sudanese government and attended by foreign oil companies. We welcome the commitment to increase transparency, including an audit of the oil sector and publication of key production and revenue figures.
Global Witness applauds RBS penalty over terrorist financing
Global Witness welcomes the decisive action taken by the UK financial regulator, the FSA, which has fined the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) £5.6 million for failing to check whether its customers were on the UK terrorist sanctions list.
Campbell testimony shines light on blood diamonds and the importance of international justice
Global Witness is attending the trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor in The Hague as supermodel Naomi Campbell is called to testify. The event offers a useful reminder of the role of natural resources in funding conflict, and of the importance of pursuing justice for the victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
