EDITORIAL
In the absence of President Kabila and the political leader of M23, in Kampala talks between the DRC Government and the rebel movement finally started, amid serious tensions and regarded with a considerable amount of scepticism by many Congolese.
At an extraordinary summit of the SADC South African nations pledged to provide 4,000 troops for the International Neutral Forces to be deployed in eastern DRC.
While in Goma the air and lake traffic resumed, Uganda reopened the Bunagana border post, presumably still controlled by M23.
Reportedly about 20 Rwandan soldiers are detained in Kinshasa after they were arrested in Goma in the ranks of the M23 rebels that occupied Goma.
The UN is investigating recent rapes and other human rights violations by both M23 and the Congolese army.
The US administration is criticized for its weak response to the crisis in the DRC, especially in its stance towards Rwanda.
In the Central African Republic, the UFDR rebel group has taken up the arms again and reportedly seized three towns in the northeast.
A historic Africa-wide treaty protecting people displaced within their own countries (IDP) came into force last week.
The Ugandan parliament passed a controversial petroleum bill, giving discretionary power to the Minister of Energy to grant or revoke oil licenses
Arms Trade and Security in the Great Lakes Region
Recent news on conflict, security and arms trade across the Great Lakes Region.
LRA
Getting Back on Track: Implementing the UN Regional Strategy on the Lord’s Resistance Army | 5th December 2012 | EURAC, African Association for the defence of Human Rights, Invisible Children, Enough Project, Resolve, Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, IKV Pax Christi & others
Report: Assessing Implementation of U.N. Strategy to End the LRA Conflict | 5th December 2012 | The Enough Project
Anti-LRA Campaign Lacks Resources | 5th December 2012 | Voice of America
While there is a limit to how much progress can have been made in the five months since the Strategy was adopted, this report seeks to assess progress made by UN actors against the benchmarks outlined in the UN Regional Strategy against the Lord’s Resistance Army.
Senate passes defense bill with new LRA provision | 6th December 2012 | Resolve | Reliefweb
On Dec. 4th, the US Senate passed next year’s defense authorizations bill after adding a new provision urging sustained commitment for efforts to help end LRA atrocities.
Bilan mitigé de la mission de l’Union Africaine pour l’éradication de la LRA | 8th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
In November 2011, the LRA has been formally designated by the African Union (AU) as a terrorist group. The AU has since then coordinated a joint operation of the countries concerned to eliminate it. A year later, the balance sheet outlined in Addis Ababa at a conference on the subject is mixed.
No Silver Bullet Can Kill LRA – U.S Warns | 10th December 2012 | The Independent (Kampala) | allAfrica
The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State (Bureau of African Affairs), Mr Jonnie Carson, has warned stakeholders involved in global initiatives to end the atrocities attributed to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels that no single silver bullet can on its own solve the LRA problem.
Human Rights Day
On Human Rights Day, UN Officials Highlight How Every Voice Counts | 10th December 2012 | UN News Service | allAfrica
United Nations officials today marked Human Rights Day by declaring that everyone has the right to be heard and to shape the decisions that affect their lives and communities.
Are We Still Committed to Human Rights for All? | 10th December 2012 | International Center for Transitional Justice (New York) | allAfrica
The United Nations has proclaimed December 10 as International Human Rights Day. The date commemorates the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, which represented the reaction of the international community to the horrors of the Second World War.
DRC
M23 crisis in North Kivu
Kampala peace talks
RDC : le dialogue entre le gouvernement et le M23 pourrait débuter d’ici « un ou deux jours » | 5th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
DR Congo rebels, government prepare for peace talks | 5th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
RDC: Le M23 et Kinshasa dans une délicate phase de négociations | 5th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
Rebels in the DR Congo were preparing for peace talks with Kishasa’s government, officials said Wednesday, as the pope urged the warring sides to reconcile. Rebel group M23’s political leader Jean-Marie Runiga said his guerrillas were “ready” for talks, which are expected to include a raft of potential demands, including major political reform for the war-weary region.
M23 Rebels Leave Goma Ahead of Negotiations | 5th December 2012 | The Enough Project
A semblance of normal life is returning to Goma, with a few banks, shops, and schools reopening. But despite the presence of 600 policemen and a battalion of government forces who deployed to the city following M23’s withdrawal, people are still petrified that M23 might return. Ahead of talks with the Congolese government, the rebels have continued to posture by threatening to retake Goma if their demands are not met.
L’opposition congolaise n’ira pas à Kampala pour négocier avec le M23 | 5th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
DRC Opposition Rejects Offer to Join M23 Talks | 6th December 2012 | Voice of America
Opposition parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have rejected an invitation by the government to attend talks with the M23 rebels in Kampala. The talks are due to start on Friday.
Pas de dialogue entre Kabila et le M23 à Kampala | 5th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
President Kabila will not go to Kampala for the discussions with M23.
DRC, M23 Talks Begin in Kampala | 5th December 2012 | The New Times | allAfrica
Delegations representing the government of DRC and the M23 rebels are expected to arrive in Kampala today for peace negotiations. “We were invited by Uganda’s Minister of Defence and our team is expected to arrive in Kampala tomorrow (today),” Rene Abandi, the M23 Head of External Relations, said in an interview yesterday.
Le M23 confronté à « un problème de logistique » pour se rendre à Kampala, sans Makenga | 5th December 2012 | Le Potentiel | allAfrica
M23 says it is facing a “logistical problem” to get to Kampala. Its military leader, Sultani Makenga, will not go.
Dialogue de Kampala : des députés du Nord-Kivu émettent des réserves sur ses chances de réussite | 6th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The Congolese Government will start the dialogue with the rebels of M23 on Thursday or Friday in Kampala, capital of Uganda. According to Government sources, this dialogue will evaluate the implementation of the March 23 agreements signed between the Congolese Government and the former rebellion of the CNDP, from which most leaders of the M23 originate. Wednesday, about 20 members of parliament from North Kivu expressed their skepticism about the chances of success of the conference.
Kampala: le gouvernement et le M23 divisés sur le contenu et l’agenda de la réunion | 6th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The framework, the agenda and the content of the talks which are to take place Thursday 6 December in Kampala (Uganda) between the Congolese Government and the rebels of the M23 still divide participants a few hours before the opening of the conference.
RDC: les évêques catholiques s’interrogent sur « la pertinence » du dialogue avec le M23 | 6th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The bishops and archbishops members of the standing committee of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (Cenco) wonder about the “relevance” of the dialogue between the Government and the M23 rebels in Kampala.
Congo Peace Talks Set to Open in Uganda | 6th December 2012 | The New York Times
Congolese rebels and government officials prepared on Thursday for direct peace talks in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, their first face-to-face encounter since the rebels relinquished Goma, one of the DRC’s principal cities, after capturing it last month. “Since May, we asked Kabila to come to the table,” said Amani Kabasha, a spokesman for the March 23 rebels, or M23, at the rebel-held border post of Rumangabo. Mr. Kabasha said his delegation was awaiting vehicles sent by the Ugandan government to carry them to Kampala. “He didn’t agree, he used force, arms, fighting. But now, because he was defeated, he agrees,” Mr. Kabasha said, referring to President Joseph Kabila.
DR Congo rebels, government to start talks Friday: Uganda | 6th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
RDC: rebelles et gouvernement entament vendredi de difficiles discussions | 6th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
Congo Government, Rebels Prepare for Talks | 6th December 2012 | Voice of America
RDC: négociations avec le M23 vendredi | 6th December 2012 | BBC Afrique
Les « réunions préliminaires » entre Kinshasa et le M23 vendredi à Kampala | 6th December 2012 | Le Potentiel | allAfrica
L’heure des discussions entre le M23 et Kinshasa a sonné | 7th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
Ugandan spokesman Fred Opolot says delegations from the Congolese government and rebel group M23 will begin preliminary meetings in Kampala aimed at resolving their conflict. Talks will focus on ground rules for future meetings and guidelines for “observers” that may monitor the conflict zones in the eastern DRC.
DR Congo peace talks likely delayed: rebels | 7th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
Congo: Peace Talks Delayed | 7th December 2012 | The New York Times
A Kampala, les discussions entre le M23 et les autorités congolaises tardent à débuter | 7th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
Kampala: le début des négociations entre le gouvernement de la RDC et le M23 reporté | 7th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Peace talks between M23 rebels in the DRC and Kinshasa’s government scheduled to open Friday in the Ugandan capital will be delayed due to “logistical” reasons, rebels said. M23 political leader Jean-Marie Runiga said the delegation had only held left the rebel-held DR Congolese town of Bunagana, a border post with Uganda, at dawn on Friday, and were not expected in Kampala until late in the day. The Congolese delegation is already in Kampala since Wednesday.
RDC : les femmes du Nord-Kivu veulent être associées au dialogue avec le M23 | 7th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Women in the province of North Kivu, grouped within the Partisan Women’s Peace Association, demand to be “validly represented at the Kampala talks”.
Kampala : l’opposition congolaise va « observer » le dialogue avec le M23, selon le député Badibangi | 7th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The Congolese political opposition will play the role of “observer” of the dialogue between the Kinshasa Government and the movement of March 23 (M23), said Member of Parliament, Christian Badibangi of the Union socialiste congolaise.
RDC : les groupes parlementaires de l’opposition désapprouvent le dialogue avec le M23 | 8th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The presidents of the parliamentary groups of the opposition are calling for “a Republican and inclusive dialogue” to resolve the crisis in the East of the DRC, dismissing the discussions between the Government and the M23.
La délégation du M23 est arrivée à Kampala | 8th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
RDC: les discussions débuteront dimanche entre gouvernement et rebelles (rébellion) | 8th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
A Kampala, le M23 veut remettre en cause la légitimité du pouvoir à Kinshasa | 8th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
The delegation of M23 arrived in Kampala on Friday 7 December in the evening. The talks with the delegation from Kinshasa are now planned to start Sunday afternoon.
Les délégués du M23 se font discrets à Kampala | 9th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The delegation of the M23 rebellion is discreet in the Ugandan capital. On-site sources do not know who its chairman is nor how it is composed. The political leader of the movement, Jean-Marie Runiga, has not made the trip to Kampala. Another spokesman of the M23, Bertrand Bisimwa, refused to reveal the composition of its delegation.
The Congolese delegation is headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Raymond Tshibanda, and further composed of the vice-president of the National Assembly, Charles Muando, the two presidents of the civil society of North and South Kivu, and the opposition represented by Christian Badibangi and Francois Mwamba. Father Apollinaire Malu Malu leads the group of experts. Also present is the president of the CNDP political party.
The presence of two other personalities is also reported, members of parliament Roger Lumbala and Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi. A member of the Congolese delegation said they had maybe come on behalf of M23.
Kampala: les discussions entre gouvernement et M23 s’ouvrent ce dimanche | 9th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The Congolese Government and the rebels of M23 start this Sunday, 9 December, in Kampala negotiations under the mediation of the Ugandan Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga. The Government only wishes to dialogue on the implementation of the agreement of March 23, 2009, signed in Goma with the former CNDP rebellion, from which the leaders of M23 originated.
Kampala : vive tension à l’ouverture des négociations entre le gouvernement et le M23 | 9th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
DR Congo rebel peace talks open to rocky start | 9th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
RDC : rebelles et gouvernement congolais enfin réunis pour des discussions | 9th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
Les discussions entre le gouvernement congolais et le M23 mal embarquées | 9th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
DR Congo Government, Rebels Start Peace Talks | 9th December 2012 | Voice of America
Kampala : le gouvernement vient avec la volonté de résoudre la crise, affirme Raymond Tshibanda | 10th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
In Kampala, talks between the Congolese Government and the rebel movement M23 began Sunday in a climate of tension.
In his opening speech, M23 representative François Rucogoza blamed the country’s conflict on poor governance, and said that the Kinshasa Government is blocking the peace process in the East of the DRC and has killed opponents, civilians and ex-CNDP soldiers.
The head of the Congolese delegation, Minister of Foreign Affairs Raymond Tshibanda, called the speech of the M23 “hardly courteous and tinged with a lot of falsehoods”, said the rebels were using the media’s presence to accuse the Kinshasa government, and demanded the opportunity to rebut their claims the next day.
Pourparlers de Kampala: la rébellion du M23 a boycotté la séance de lundi | 10th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
DR Congo rebel peace talks falter amid tensions | 10th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
RDC : le M23 boycotte le deuxième jour des négociations avec Kinshasa | 10th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
Discussions Rdc-M23 à Kampala – Les rebelles boudent la séance | 10th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
Peace talks between Congolese rebels and the Kinshasa government Monday faltered on the second day after rebels shunned meetings over officials’ outrage at their accusations. Both sides however remain committed to the negotiations.
Goma’s residents sceptical about DR Congo peace talks | 10th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
RDC : scepticisme à Goma sur les négociations de Kampala | 10th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
With rebels close by and suspected of preparing for further conflict and mediators accused of not being neutral, residents of Goma are sceptical about peace talks.
Kampala: les rebelles du M23 reviennent à la table de négociations | 11th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
DR Congo rebels will ‘push on’ with peace talks | 11th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
RDC: le M23 revient à la table des négociations avec Kinshasa | 11th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
DRC Refutes M23 Charges of Divisiveness, Rights Violations | 11th December 2012 | Voice of America
A Kampala, le M23 reprend les négociations pour « passer aux discussions sur le fond » | 11th December 2012 | Le Potentiel | allAfrica
The DRC’s M23 rebels returned to peace talks with the government Tuesday, saying they were ready to push on with negotiations a day after staging a boycott. For 40 minutes, the head of the Kinshasa delegation refuted all the accusations M23 had made on the first day of the talks.
Kinshasa ne clôture pas une guerre avec un pays étranger mais discute avec un groupe armé, selon Lambert Mende | 11th December 2012 | RFI | Digitalcongo.net
“It’s not a war with a foreign country we are ending, it’s a discussion with an armed group”, Governement spokesman Lambert Mende said referring to the negotiations in Kampala.
Extraordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC)
RDC: Joseph Kabila participera au sommet de la SADC en Tanzanie | 6th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
La crise dans l’Est au coeur du sommet de la SADC | 6th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
Heads of States Seek Solutions for Crises in SADC Region | 7th December 2012 | Angola Press | allAfrica
The President of the DRC, Joseph Kabila, will attend the summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) from 7 to 8 December. The meeting will seek strategies to put an end to the military crisis in the DR Congo.
SADC Nations Seek to Raise $100 Million for Congo Force | 8th December 2012 | Bloomberg
RDC: les pays d’Afrique australe prêts à contribuer à une “force internationale neutre” | 8th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
The Southern African Development Community said it’s seeking to raise $100 million toward the deployment of an international “neutral force” in the DR Congo, where the eastern city of Goma was under the control of rebels until last week. “DRC has already deposited a contribution, and we urge other members to contribute too,” Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete told reporters today in his country’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, after SADC leaders held a summit meeting there. SADC aims to activate a standby brigade by Dec. 14 that will join the Congo force. Tanzania has already committed a battalion to the force, while South Africa has pledged logistical support such as moving troops, he said.
Southern Africa pledges 4,000-strong force for eastern Congo | 8th December 2012 | Reuters | AlertNet | Reliefweb
SADC to Provide 4,000 Troops in DR Congo | 10th December 2012 | Tanzania Daily News | allAfrica
Southern African nations pledged on Saturday to provide 4,000 troops for a neutral force to be deployed in eastern Congo where rebels have waged an eight month-long rebellion, the South African Development Community (SADC) said.
Selon le président ougandais, la force de l’ONU en RDC fait du “tourisme militaire” | 8th December 2012 | Le Monde
The UN force in the DRC is “a great shame” and it engages “in a sort of military tourism” in the country, said Saturday Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni.
RDC: la SADC prête à soutenir la mise en place de la force internationale neutre | 9th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
La SADC se prépare à envoyer des troupes pour la «force neutre» | 9th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
Summit Approves Integration of Neutral Military Forces in DRC | 9th December 2012 | Angola Press | allAfrica
The SADC decided on Saturday to send a Standby Force in the eastern region of DR Congo with a group under supervision of the International Neutral Forces (FIN), to guarantee peace in that zone. The Standby Force will be combined with the soldiers to be defined by the UN and the African Union, thus forming FIN.
Communique On Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Tanzania | 10th December 2012 | South African Government | allAfrica
The Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania from 7 – 8 December 2012.
Goma after M23’s withdrawal
Nord-Kivu : la Monusco contrôlera seule l’aéroport de Goma « jusqu’à nouvel ordre », assure Richard Muyej | 5th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The airport of Goma will remain under exclusive control of the peacekeepers of the United Nations Mission for Stabilization in the DRC (Monusco) “until the near future”, assured on Tuesday 4 December the Congolese Interior Minister, Richard Muyej.
Nord-Kivu : la ville de Goma proclamée « cas d’urgence » par le gouvernement congolais | 5th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The city of Goma was proclaimed “emergency case” by the Congolese Government, announced the Interior Minister of the Interior, Richard Muyej, on an inspection tour in the city. According to him, “enormous damage” was caused by armed bandits, especially to some public buildings during the 10 days of occupation of Goma by the M23 rebels. In addition, the insecurity in town remains worrying.
RDC : le trafic a repris à l’aéroport de Goma | 5th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Air traffic resumed on Wednesday 5 December at Goma airport.
RDC: le trafic lacustre entre Goma et Bukavu a repris | 5th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Lake traffic between Bukavu (South Kivu) and Goma (North Kivu) resumed on Wednesday 5 December.
RDC : les rebelles du M23 toujours à proximité de Goma | 6th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
The rebels of M23, who had agreed last Saturday to withdraw to positions at 20 km further to the North, were still on the outskirts of Goma on Thursday.
A la recherche des 1 200 détenus libérés avec la prise de Goma | 7th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
1178 détenus libérés par le M23 de la prison Munzenze à Goma | 7th December 2012 | Digitalcongo.net
What has become of the 1,200 prisoners that escaped when Goma was captured? The Mayor believes they are still all in the city, while civil society actors say that some have been recruited by the rebels.
Goma: la Banque centrale a repris ses activités | 8th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Une vingtaine de militaires rwandais du M23 arrêtés à Goma détenus à Kinshasa | 10th December 2012 | Le Potentiel | allAfrica
About twenty Rwandan soldiers are being held in Kinshasa where they were transferred after their arrest in Goma in the ranks of the M23 rebels who occupied the capital of North Kivu from 20 November to 1 December, lepotentielonline.com learned from corroborating sources.
Nord-Kivu : 150 militaires recrutés par le M23 ont été remis à la CIRGL | 11th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
150 Congolese soldiers who had joined the M23 rebellion when that movement entered the town of Goma were released on Monday 10 December at the office of the Joint Mechanism of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
Uganda Reopens Bunagana Border | 11th December 2012 | The New Times | allAfrica
The Ugandan government has reopened its western border post of Bunagana, a month after it had closed it on the request of the Congolese government. Uganda’s Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga told The New Times yesterday that the decision was aimed at allowing resumption of local trade between Uganda and DRC communities.
UN investigates rapes and other abuses by FARDC & M23
Congo Army Arrests Several for Alleged Rapes | 5th December 2012 | Voice of America
UN investigates rapes in DR Congo unrest | 6th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
UN confirms rapes in DR Congo unrest | 7th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
L’ONU confirme des viols commis par les FARDC près de Goma | 7th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
UN alleges rapes in DR Congo unrest | 8th December 2012 | Al Jazeera
Sud-Kivu : un nouveau parquet militaire installé à Minova | 10th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The United Nations is investigating allegations of rapes and other abuses by DRC troops as they pulled back from advancing rebels. The investigation comes amid claims that dozens of women were raped by government forces in the town of Minova in South Kivu last month. “Preliminary investigations by MONUSCO indicate that several human rights violations, including rape and looting, were committed by FARDC elements (in Minova),” UN deputy spokesman Eduardo del Buey told reporters in New York.
The UN also accused M23 rebels of killing civilians and looting when they took Goma last month. “MONUSCO is also able to confirm several serious human rights violations, including the killing and wounding of civilians as well as looting, committed by the M23 in Goma and surrounding areas,” the UN spokesman said. “Investigations into these allegations are ongoing,” he said.
RDC : le Rhenadhoc accuse le M23 d’assassinats, viols et pillages lors de l’occupation de Goma | 5th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
MONUSCO / UN & EU statements
Conférence de presse des Nations Unies du mercredi 5 décembre 2012 | 5th December 2012 | MONUSCO
Situation in DR Congo’s Kivu provinces remains fragile, UN reports | 5th December 2012 | UN News Centre
The security and humanitarian situation in the Kivu provinces in eastern DR Congo remains fragile, a United Nations spokesperson said today, adding that the world body is continuing to assist the country on both fronts.
DR Congo: UN peacekeeping chief presents Security Council with options after M23 withdrawal from Goma | 7th December 2012 | UN News Centre
Hervé Ladsous présente au Conseil de sécurité plusieurs options pour stabiliser l’est de la RDC | 7th December 2012 | UN News Centre
The United Nations peacekeeping chief said today that the Security Council reacted with “considerable interest” to proposed responses to the recent violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – including one that would see a new peacekeeping force deployed there in addition to UN peacekeepers. “We have to reflect on the concept for the international neutral force,” said the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hervé Ladsous.
UN official stresses civilian protection on visit to areas affected by DR Congo violence | 9th December 2012 | UN News Centre
While relief workers in the DR Congo have scaled up assistance to those affected by the recent violence in Goma, the protection of civilians remains a major concern, said a senior United Nations official who toured the area.
Council conclusions on the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo | 10th December 2012 | European Union | Reliefweb
Conclusions du Conseil sur la situation dans l’est de la République démocratique du Congo | 10th December 2012 | European Union | allAfrica
L’Union européenne et l’Union africaine plaident pour l’intégrité territoriale de la RDC | 11th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
US criticized for feeble action
U.S. Africanists Worry Over Obama’s Next Secretary of State | 5th December 2012 | allAfrica
Bloggingheads on Susan Rice’s troubles in Africa | 7th December 2012 | Foreign Policy
U.N. Ambassador Questioned on U.S. Role in Congo Violence | 9th December 2012 | The New York Times
Susan Rice and Africa’s Despots | 9th December 2012 | The New York Times
Almost two decades after the Clinton administration failed to intervene in the genocide in Rwanda, the United States is coming under harsh criticism for not moving forcefully in another African crisis marked by atrocities and brutal killings, this time in Rwanda’s neighbor, the Democratic Republic of Congo. While President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton have taken some of the blame, critics of the Obama administration’s Africa policy have focused on the role of Susan E. Rice, the United States ambassador to the United Nations and a leading contender to succeed Mrs. Clinton, in the administration’s failure to take action against the country they see as a major cause of the Congolese crisis, Rwanda.
Joint NGO Letter on Congo Crisis to President Obama | 10th December 2012 | The Enough Project
Obama accused of failed policy over Rwanda’s support of rebel group | 11th December 2012 | The Guardian
The Enough Project and a coalition of international NGOs call on President Obama to lead the response on the crisis in eastern Congo and to appoint a special Presidental Envoy to support peace efforts in the region.
The Devastating Crisis in Eastern Congo | 11th December 2012 | U.S. Department of State
Testimony of Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights
White House Defends Low-Key Stance on Rwanda, Congo | 11th December 2012 | Inter Press Service
President Barack Obama’s top diplomat on African affairs on Tuesday defended the U.S. administration’s response to the continued crisis in the DR Congo, in the face of stepped up criticism from both civil society and U.S. lawmakers.
US Legislators Seek Action on Rwanda for Supporting of DR Congo Rebels | 11th December 2012 | Voice of America
A number of U.S. lawmakers are calling on the Obama administration to take tougher action on Rwanda for supporting the M23 rebels who are terrorizing civilians in the eastern Congo.
Comments & analyses
Bordering On the Dangerous – the Invisible Frontline in North Kivu | 5th December 2012 | ThinkAfricaPress | allAfrica
While international media attention focuses on events in Goma, the political and military landscape of the eastern Congo is changing as Kabila’s hold crumbles in North Kivu.
Exit strategies out of Goma | 5th December 2012 | Pambazuka News
With the on-going conflict in the DRC with the emergence of Rwanda’s proxy, M23, Theogene Rudasingwa puts forward five exit strategies to facilitate a long-term solution to problems in the region
Congo’s Weak Peace Process | 6th December 2012 | Council on Foreign Relations
Interview with Jason Stearns, Direct of the Usalama Project at the Rift Valley Institute. “The prospects for a comprehensive deal that would lead to a demobilization and reintegration of the rebels are probably still slim.”
Kampala: comment parler … du non dit? | 6th December 2012 | Le carnet de Colette Braeckman
The 7 Deadly Sins of Congo’s Peace Process | 7th December 2012 | Foreign Policy
John Prendergast (The Enough Project): “Congo is an object lesson in how not to resolve conflicts. It’s time we changed that.”
Power Vacuum | 8th December 2012 | The Economist
Although they have handed back a city, the rebels have not faded away.
What can we expect from Kampala? | 9th December 2012 | Congo Siasa
The M23 and Congolese government delegation have finally begun negotiations today––it wasn’t a very promising start, as both sides led off with accusations.
INSIGHT-Congo army debacle at Goma raises spectre of betrayal 10th December 2012 | Reuters | AlertNet
When Congo’s government army retreated in panic from the eastern city of Goma last month, many observers blamed the poor morale and leadership, ill discipline and corruption that have sapped its fighting capacity for years.
Goma Tombouctou: la paix introuvable | 11th December 2012 | Le carnet de Colette Braeckman
New attacks at Mugunga IDP camp
Nord-Kivu: des hommes en armes blessent 3 enfants à Mugunga | 10th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Unidentified armed men injured three children and pillaged several shelters in the Mugunga 3 IDP camp close to Goma.
Goma – Dix-sept cas de viols dans un camp de déplacés en 10 jours | 10th December 2012 | Le Potentiel | allAfrica
In total, Caritas Goma recorded 17 cases of rape perpetrated against displaced women and girls between 20 and 30 December in the Mugunga 3 camp. According to the victims, these deeds bear the signature of unidentified armed men in a region teeming with loyalist soldiers, rebels and Mai-Mai militiamen.
Nord-Kivu : nouvelle attaque armée près de Mugunga | 11th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
A woman was raped and a dozen goats taken away by armed men, close to the Muganga IDP camp. This is the fouth attack in the Mugunga – Rusayo sector by armed bandits in one month.
Sexual violence by army and armed groups in Kivus
DRC: Surge in sexual violence in North Kivu | 6th December 2012 | IRIN
Sexual violence is on the rise as armed groups continue to move across the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) North Kivu Province, officials say.
Grave Human Rights Abuses As Thousands Continue to Flee in South Kivu | 7th December 2012 | UNHCR | allAfrica
Graves abus des droits humains ; des milliers de personnes fuient le Sud-Kivu | 7th December 2012 | UNHCR | Reliefweb
RDC: de graves exactions se déroulent aussi au Sud-Kivu, prévient le HCR | 10th December 2012 | UN News Centre
Sud-Kivu : les auteurs de violations des droits de l’homme sont plus nombreux, selon une ONG | 10th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Attention has been focused in recent weeks on the power struggle between government troops and M23 rebel forces in DRC’s North Kivu province and the massive population displacement and suffering that followed. But terrible things have also been happening in neighbouring South Kivu province and the protection needs there are great. UNHCR and its partners have received reports of serious protection incidents in the region, including rape.
Le projet conjoint de prévention des violences sexuelles en phase de prolongation au Kivu | 7th December 2012 | Le Potentiel | allAfrica
RDC: l’Onu demande au gouvernement de poursuivre les auteurs des violences sexuelles | 8th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Sexual Violence Not Just a Weapon of War in DRC | 5th December 2012 | Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) | allAfrica
Mai-Mai in South Kivu surrendering to FARDC to fight M23
Sud-Kivu: 86 miliciens Maï-Maï se rendent aux FARDC afin de combattre les rebelles du M23 | 6th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Eighty-six Mai-Mai militiamen of the group of colonel Mayele, an FARDC deserter, surrendered to the regular army in Fizi territory, South Kivu.
Sud-Kivu : reddition du chef d’une milice Maï-Maï | 10th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Colonel Mukelenge, a deserter from the Congolese army, leader of a Mai-Mai group, surrendered to the FARDC with four of his lieutenants in Baraka, Fizi territory.
FRPI withdraws from Boga locality in Ituri
Ituri : les militaires congolais tentent de déloger des miliciens FRPI à Boga | 6th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Province Orientale: les FARDC contrôlent la localité de Boga après le retrait des FRPI | 10th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Following an army offensive, the FRPI militia withdrew from Boga in Irumu territory, Ituri, after an occupation of more than two weeks.
National Human Rights Commission established
Adoption à la Chambre haute du Parlement du projet de loi portant institution et organisation de la Commission nationale des droits de l’homme, CNDH | 5th December 2012 | ACP | Digitalcongo.net
RDC : bientôt une Commission nationale des droits de l’homme | 7th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The Congolese Parliament passed the Act establishing the National Human Rights Commission. This creates an independent body for the promotion and protection of human rights in the DRC.
Human Rights Day – Violations of press freedom in 2012
10 décembre 2012 : journée mondiale de la Déclaration Universelle des Droits de l’Homme : Sous prétexte de la guerre, l’année 2012 a battu le record des atteintes à la presse | 9th December 2012 | Journaliste en danger (JED)
RDC : les atteintes à la liberté de la presse en augmentation en 2012, selon Jed | 10th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
RD Congo : 2012, année “record” des atteintes à la liberté de la presse (ONG) | 10th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
The NGO ‘Journaliste en danger’ (Jed) has identified at least 184 cases of violations of the freedom of the press in 2012, against 160 the previous year.
Central African Republic
UN official condemns violations of 2008 peace agreement for Central African Republic | 10th December 2012 | UN News Centre
A United Nations senior official today condemned all violations of a 2008 peace agreement which helped bring a degree of stability to the Central African Republic (CAR), and urged the peaceful resolution of any disputes there.
Central African Republic rebels seize Ndele from army | 11th December 2012 | BBC Africa
RCA : des rebelles s’emparent de 3 villes | 11th December 2012 | BBC Afrique
L’UFDR revendique les attaques de Ndélé, Sam-Ouandja et Ouadda | 11th December 2012 | Radio Ndeke Luka | Fondation Hirondelle
Rebel forces in the Central African Republic (CAR) have captured the key northern town of Ndele following a surprise attack. The rebels say they have also seized two smaller towns, Sam Ouandja and Ouadda. This latest conflict involves a faction of the Union of Democratic Forces for Unity (UFDR), headed by Michel Djotodia, which accuses President Francois Bozize’s government of reneging on a peace accord signed in 2008.
Refugee and IDP Reports
Non-comprehensive overview and selected articles on the status of refugees in the Great Lakes Region
African Union Convention on the Protection of and Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons in Africa
UN High Commissioner for Refugees hails “historic” breakthrough on the protection of internally displaced people in Africa | 5th December 2012 | UNHCR | Reliefweb
The Kampala Convention Enters Into Force Tomorrow | 5th December 2012 | ThinkAfricaPress | allAfrica
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres welcomed the entry into force of an Africa-wide treaty on the protection of internally displaced people. Guterres described the coming into force of the African Union Convention on the Protection of and Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (the Kampala Convention) as a breakthrough.
The Kampala Convention is the first international treaty for the protection and assistance of people displaced within their own countries across an entire continent. It imposes on states the obligation to protect and assist persons displaced by natural disasters and man-made actions such as armed conflict.
Press Release by the Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Internally Displaced Persons and Migrants in Africa on the Occasion of the Entry into Force of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa | 6th December 2012 | African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
UN praises Africa for leading way with landmark treaty protecting internally displaced people | 6th December 2012 | UN News Centre
Le HCR juge «historique» l’entrée en vigueur d’une Convention pour les personnes déplacés en Afrique | 6th December 2012 | UN News Centre
The United Nations refugee chief today saluted the “historic” entry into force of an Africa-wide treaty – the world’s first – that protects people displaced within their own countries by violence, natural disasters or large-scale development projects.
IDPs: African IDP Convention comes into force | 6th December 2012 | IRIN
Entrée en vigueur de la Convention pour les PDIP en Afrique | 9th December 2012 | IRIN
A Landmark for Human Rights: The Kampala Convention on Internal Displacement Comes into Effect | 6th December 2012 | Brookings
DRC
Situation humanitaire en République Démocratique du Congo – Note d’information à la presse, 5 décembre 2012 | 5th December 2012 | UNOCHA | Reliefweb
Goma: plus de 200 000 déplacés de guerre vivent dans des conditions difficiles | 5th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Refugees return to northern Congo, but concerns remain | 5th December 2012 | UNHCR | Reliefweb
Bulletin d’Information Humanitaire – Province du Sud-Kivu N° 49/12, 05 décembre 2012 | 5th December 2012 | UNOCHA | Reliefweb
DR Congo: worrying situation in North and South Kivu | 6th December 2012 | ICRC | Reliefweb
Situation humanitaire préoccupante dans les Kivu | 6th December 2012 | ICRC | Reliefweb
North Kivu Situation Report No. 16, 6 December 2012 | 7th December 2012 | UNOCHA | Reliefweb
IOM Ramps Up Eastern DRC Crisis Response | 7th December 2012 | International Organization for Migration (IOM) | Reliefweb
International Organization of Migration Steps Up Efforts in DRC | 7th December 2012 | Voice of America
Howard G. Buffett Foundation To Provide $1 Million To WFP In Support Of Returning Congolese Displaced In North Kivu | 7th December 2012 | WFP | Reliefweb
Howard G. Buffett Foundation Funds Hope in Eastern DRC | 10th December 2012 | WFP | Reliefweb
Buffet offre un million de dollars pour aider au retour des réfugiés | 7th December 2012 | AFP | Reliefweb
Richard, soldat de onze ans, réapprend à vivre libre | 7th December 2012 | WFP | Reliefweb
Help for thousands of people in Goma | 7th December 2012 | ICRC | Reliefweb
Grave Human Rights Abuses As Thousands Continue to Flee in South Kivu | 7th December 2012 | UNHCR | allAfrica
Graves abus des droits humains ; des milliers de personnes fuient le Sud-Kivu | 7th December 2012 | UNHCR | Reliefweb
RDC- A Goma, les humanitaires font le bilan humain | 7th December 2012 | RFI | allAfrica
The fall of Goma has displaced 130,000 people.
Eastern Province: Caritas and the German Government assist 17,000 displaced persons Bafwasende | 7th December 2012 | Caritas | Reliefweb
Goma, l’humanitaire dans une guerre particulière | 8th December 2012 | Le Monde
UN official stresses civilian protection on visit to areas affected by DR Congo violence | 9th December 2012 | UN News Centre
Humanitarian community continues to roll out aid to people affected by recent events in North Kivu | 9th December 2012 | UNOCHA | Reliefweb
La communaute humanitaire poursuit l’aide aux personnes affectees par les récents evenements au Nord-Kivu | 9th December 2012 | UNOCHA | Reliefweb
Many Congolese Still Need Emergency Aid | 10th December 2012 | Voice of America
16 Days of Activism: a multiple rape victim faces uncertain future | 10th December 2012 | UNHCR | Reliefweb
Avenir incertain pour une victime congolaise de viols répétés | 7th December 2012 | UNHCR | Reliefweb
North Kivu Situation Report No. 17, 11 December 2012 | 11th December 2012 | UNOCHA | Reliefweb
République Démocratique du Congo : Plan d’action humanitaire 2013 | 11th December 2012 | UNOCHA | Reliefweb
Uganda
New arrivals, growing needs in Ugandan camp | 5th December 2012 | DanChurchAid | Reliefweb
The continued fighting between forces of the rebel M23 and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has resulted in growing numbers of Congolese refugees in Uganda and Rwanda.
Rwanda
Through its early childhood development programme, UNICEF helps build a strong foundation for refugee children at Kigeme camp in Rwanda | 10th December 2012 | UNICEF | Reliefweb
Burundi
Burundi’s returning refugees face new challenge of deadly cholera outbreak | 7th December 2012 | IFRC | Reliefweb
Un accord pour améliorer le retour des rapatriés de Mtabila | 9th December 2012 | UNDP | Reliefweb
UNHCR Burundi bulletin spécial sur Mtabila No. 9 | 11th December 2012 | UNHCR | Reliefweb
Other
Zambia
More Refugees Flee DRC Fighting | 10th December 2012 | Times of Zambia | allAfrica
The number of refugees entering Zambia from the DR Congo into Luapula Province has risen to more 900, Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba has said.
The refugees are running away from that country to seek solace in Zambia because of intense fighting between the DRC forces and a Mai-Mai rebel group in Katanga province.
Justice and Tribunals
Non-comprehensive overview and selected articles on major trials and tribunals for crimes committed in the Great Lakes Region
DRC
Procès Chebeya: la partie civile demande la comparution de 3 policiers en fuite | 6th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
Bemba Hearings Cancelled This Week | 10th December 2012 | Bemba Trial Website | allAfrica
This week’s hearings in the war crimes trial of Jean-Pierre Bemba at the International Criminal Court (ICC) were today cancelled due to the unavailability of witnesses. The court was previously scheduled to sit all of this week.
Rwanda
La justice française ordonne au préfet d’accorder un titre de séjour à Agathe Habyarimana | 6th December 2012 | Le Monde
Le préfet a un mois pour délivrer des papiers à Mme Habyarimana | 6th December 2012 | Hirondelle News Agency | allAfrica
A French court has “ordered” the prefect of the Essonne Department to issue a residence permit for Agathe Habyarimana, widow of former Rwandan president Juvenal Habyarimana, her lawyer said. Mrs Habyarimana, 70 years old, is suspected of involvement in the 1994 genocide.
Natural Resources in the Great Lakes Region
Recent news on issues relating to natural resource extraction and governance in the Great Lakes Region.
DRC
Logging
RDC: des ONG dénoncent le laxisme de l’Etat vis-à-vis des exploitants forestiers | 8th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The Congolese NGOs partners of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) denounced the lack of State control in the exploitation of timber in the provinces of Bas-Congo, Bandundu and Equateur. They presented the results of a study they made on logging in these provinces.
Mineral smuggling (UN Group of Experts)
Great Lakes: the smuggling circuits | 11th December 2012 | Africa Mining Intelligence
According to a recent report by United Nations experts, the smuggling of Congo-K’s minerals to Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda has increased and serious doubt can be cast on the viability of certification systems operating in those countries.
Extractive Companies, Energy, Trade and Foreign Investment
Recent news on national and international extractive and energy companies and investment in the Great Lakes Region
DRC
Katanga – ENRC buys out Gertler
ENRC ends Congo mining deal with controversial billionaire Dan Gertler | 9th December 2012 | The Guardian
Miner ENRC buys out Gertler in $550m Congo deal | 10th December 2012 | Reuters | Mining Weekly
ENRC takes full control of Congo venture | 10th December 2012 | The Financial Times
The London-listed Kazach mining company ENRC, battling to clean up its governance record, has tightened its control over copper and cobalt operations in the DRC with a $550 million cash deal that ends its links to the controversial Israeli businessman Dan Gertler.
Gertler Earns Billions as Mine Deals Fail to Enrich Congo | 6th December 2012 | Bloomberg
Israeli investor Dan Gertler, a personal friend of Congo President Joseph Kabila, earns billions by secretly buying mining assets at bargain prices from the poorest country on earth.
Katanga
Panorama économique: les coupures d’électricité affectent la production des entreprises minières au Katanga | 8th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
The mining companies of Lubumbashi in Katanga attribute the decline in their production since a few months to the shortage of electric power. They blame the national electricity company (Snel) for it.
Katanga sees new route to Atlantic | 11th December 2012 | Africa Mining Intelligence
After being denied access for 47 years, the province of Katanga can expect to once again be connected to the Atlantic coast by the end of the year.
Banro
Banro reports increased production at DRC mine | 5th December 2012 | Mining Weekly
Gold junior Banro reported increased production from its Twangiza gold mine, in the troubled DRC, saying that following the reinstatement and upgrade of ball mill No 1 in September, gold production had increased and unit costs had declined.
Joint venture Kilo Goldmines Randgold on iron
Kilo Goldmines and Randgold Resources Sign Joint Venture Agreement | 6th December 2012 | Kilo Goldmines Ltd. | Marketwire
Kilo Goldmines Ltd. and Randgold Resources plc announcec that they signed a definitive agreement for a Joint Venture on Kilo’s KWR Iron Sprl Exploration licences in the DRC”.
Uganda
Contentious oil bill passed
Oil Bill On the Brink | 6th December 2012 | The Observer (Kampala) | allAfrica
Civil Society Warns MPs On Clause Nine of the Petroleum Bill | 6th December 2012 | The New Vision | allAfrica
MPs Stick to Their Guns in Oil Debate | 6th December 2012 | The New Vision | allAfrica
Uganda: Oil Industry Regulations Passed | 7th December 2012 | The New York Times
Lawmakers passed legislation on Friday intended to regulate Uganda’s nascent oil industry, but critics say it gives too much authority over the industry to the nation’s energy minister.
The legislation, which has been debated for more than a year, is meant to pave the way for oil production in Uganda. But Global Witness, a group that highlights the links between the exploitation of natural resources and human rights abuses, said that the new legislation would give the president and his energy minister “total control over the sector” and warned that it would “perpetuate the status quo of secrecy, excessive ministerial control and corruption allegations.”
Parliament Finally Passes Petroleum Bill | 7th December | The Independent (Kampala) | allAfrica
Parliament today finally passed the Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Bill, 2012 including the contentious Clause 9 that vests power in the hands of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development to issue and revoke licenses to companies wishing to do business in the oil and gas sector.
How the Oil Bill Was Passed | 8th December 2012 | The New Vision | allAfrica
Controversies Behind Delayed Oil Bill Passing | 9th December 2012 | The New Vision | allAfrica
Uganda Opposition Leader Decries ‘Corrupt’ Oil Bill | 10th December 2012 | Voice of America
The leader of Uganda’s main opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) said corruption in the government of President Yoweri Museveni is pervasive and systemic. Kizza Besigye cited as evidence a petroleum bill passed by the parliament, which gives full powers to the Minister of Petroleum to grant and revoke licenses, as well as negotiate and endorse petroleum agreements.
Seeds of East Africa’s Oil Curse May Have Been Planted in Kampala | 10th December 2012 | Rwanda Focus | allAfrica
Opinion. As expected, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, in power for 27 years so far, defeated Parliament and the civil society to gain absolute and direct control over oil contracts.
It Is Not Only the Minister Who Will Make Oil Licensing Decisions | 10th December 2012 | The New Vision | allAfrica
Tullow Oil Denies Exit Talk | 11th December 2012 | East African Business Week | allAfrica
Kampala — Irish firm, Tullow Oil has denied that it is planning to pull out the Uganda oil market because of the delays in resolving outstanding issues in the sector.
“Only the Brave Talk About Oil”: Human Rights Defenders and the Resource Extraction Industries in Uganda and Tanzania | December 2012 | East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project
Report highlighting the harassment and restrictions of human rights defenders engaging with the resource extraction industries in Uganda & Tanzania.
Rwanda
Oil prospects
Oil Prospects Gain Momentum | 7th December 2012 | The New Times | allAfrica
Prime Minister Pierre Damien Habumuremyi recently told parliament that studies done so far have shown that there are very high prospects of oil deposits in East Kivu Graben region of Rwanda. This is the first ever solid confirmation from government on the stretched exploration activity by the Canadian exploration firm, Vanoil Energy Limited.
Regulation, Compliance and Corporate Social Responsibility
Non-comprehensive overview and selected articles on legal and reputational issues relating to businesses operating in the Great Lakes Region
EITI handbook
New Handbook – Implementing Eiti for Greater Impact | 5th December 2012 | World Bank | allAfrica
The key to leverage extractive resources to attain beneficial development outcomes is to increase accountability and transparency as well as improve governance in the sector. A new publication, ‘Implementing EITI for Impact: A Handbook for Policymakers and Stakeholders’, analyzes the importance of implementing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to domestic economies, governance structures, and local populations, and suggests measures to leverage its potential to ensure inclusive growth and sustainable development.
UN Forum on Business and Human Rights
UN Forum on Business and Human Rights – Presentations & discussions at first annual Forum (Geneva, 3-5 Dec 2012) | Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
Videos of conference sessions & text of remarks are added here as they become available.
UN Forum on Business and Human Rights – Materials launched at first annual Forum (Geneva, 3-5 Dec 2012) | Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
This page includes all materials launched at the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights that we are aware of.
Corruption Perceptions Index 2012
Africa: Twelve Countries Rank in Top 75 on Anti-Corruption Index | 6th December 2012 | allAfrica
Twelve African countries are ranked among the 75 least corrupt nations in the world, according to the 2012 index published Wednesday by Transparency International.
Published annually, the Corruption Perceptions Index draws upon a range of data sources to determine how corrupt countries’ public sectors are perceived to be.
Cameroun, the Congo Republic (Brazzaville) and the Central African Republic are ranked 144. Angola is 157, DR Congo 160 and Equatorial Guinea 163. Crowding the bottom among the most corrupt in the world are Chad (163), Sudan (173 and Somalia (174 – last).
Le pays s’enlise dans la corruption | 5th December 2012 | Le Potentiel | allAfrica
Rapport de Transparency International sur la corruption : RDC, 160è sur 176 pays | 7th December 2012 | Radio Okapi
DRC
Conflict-Free Smelters
29 Smelters Go Conflict Free, More Help from Aerospace Companies Needed | 11th December 2012 | The Enough Project
Last week, the electronics industry updated its list of audited conflict-free smelters to 29. This is up from 11 smelters in the Conflict-Free Smelter program, or CFS, at the start of 2012—nearly tripling the size of the program over the past year.
Dodd-Frank Act, Section 1502
Companies must come clean on conflict minerals lawsuit | 10th December 2012 | Global Witness
On 22 August 2012 the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published the final rule for Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act. The provision aims to prevent the trade in tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold from fuelling conflict and human rights abuses in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
IMF loan suspension
Corruption risks mean the IMF was right to halt Congo loan programme | 5th December 2012 | Global Witness
Bloomberg and Reuters news agencies have reported that the International Monetary Fund has halted its loan programme with the Democratic Republic of Congo because of concerns over transparency in the country’s mining sector. While Congo is clearly in desperate need of funds, Global Witness believes that concerns over possible corruption in the country’s mining sector were so serious that the IMF was justified in stopping its lending.
IMF pulls the plug on DRC | 11th December 2012 | Africa Mining Intelligence
On Dec. 2, the representative of the International Monetary Fund in Kinshasa, Oscar Melhado, announced a suspension of payment of the rest of a $240 million loan to Congo-K under the IMF’s extended credit facility.
