The East of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is plunged into an armed conflict that has lasted for decades, causing immeasurable human suffering, violations of human rights, massive displacement of populations, sexual violence, etc. and hindering the development of the region. According to several analyses of these conflicts in the DRC, the weak or absence of state authority, the mismanagement of natural resources, widespread corruption and the illicit exploitation of minerals, wood and cocoa are among the major causes of the proliferation of armed groups in the eastern part of the country, also rich in strategic minerals for the world’s energy transition. The hundreds of armed groups scattered in the hills, villages and forests of the eastern provinces of the DRC are often heavily supported by multinational companies from outside the country through neighboring countries of the DRC, including Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia. The recent advance of the M23/AFC rebel group, which currently controls a large part of 2 provinces of North and South Kivu, including the 2 major cities of Goma and Bukavu, has exacerbated the situation of human rights violations and the catastrophic humanitarian situation of the population, the fighting that has lasted more than 3 years has already left more than 3,000 dead, more than 2 million people have been displaced and they are wandering here and there without assistance. Congolese civil society (AJVDC), on the front line in the face of this crisis, is launching an urgent call for action to end the war and the activism of armed groups in order to build a future of peace and prosperity for all. The DRC, with its vast reserves of strategic raw materials for the global energy transition, is facing a critical juncture. Persistent conflicts, fueled by the illicit exploitation of these resources, threaten both regional stability and the sustainable supply of these essential minerals. Our advocacy brief calls for immediate and coordinated action to ensure peace in the DRC and ensure a responsible and transparent supply chain that benefits Congolese communities and supports a just global energy transition.

 

Urgent Call for Action: Achieving Rapid and Sustainable Peace in the DRC

1. Prioritize Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding:

– Immediate Cessation of Hostilities: Demand a complete and verifiable ceasefire by all armed groups, including the M23, and implement robust mechanisms for monitoring and enforcement.

– Inclusive Political Dialogue: Support a comprehensive national dialogue involving all stakeholders, including civil society, to address the root causes of conflict and establish a sustainable framework for peace, support the peace plan proposed by the Catholic and Protestant Churches (CENCO and ECC).

– Support the participation and involvement of women and youth in peace plans, support projects such as: “Women Ambassadors for Peace in the DRC”

– Address Regional Dynamics: Engage neighboring countries to address cross-border issues, including illicit resource trafficking and support for armed groups.

– Support Greats Lakes civil society peace initiatives: strengthen cross-border clean trading, inter-cultural exchanges (Faith events, sports, arts), strengthen regional knowledge exchanges, researches, regional library and museum and common climate resilience programs.

2. Strengthen Governance and Combat Corruption:

• Enhance Transparency and Accountability: Implement robust mechanisms for transparency in natural resource management, including revenue tracking and public disclosure of contracts.
• Combat Corruption: Support anti-corruption initiatives at all levels of government, including investigations and prosecutions of corrupt officials.
• Strengthen the Rule of Law: Invest in judicial reform and capacity building to ensure fair and equitable access to justice.

3. Protect Human Rights and Promote Community Empowerment:

• Protect Civilians: Ensure the protection of civilians in conflict zones, including women and children, and hold perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable.
• Support Local Communities: Empower local communities to participate in decision-making processes related to natural resource management and development projects.
• Address the Humanitarian Crisis: Increase humanitarian aid to address the urgent needs of displaced populations and conflict-affected communities.

 

Securing a Responsible and Transparent Supply Chain for Strategic Raw Materials:

1. Implement Robust Due Diligence and Traceability Mechanisms:

• Mandatory Due Diligence: Enact and enforce mandatory due diligence legislation that requires companies to identify and mitigate risks in their supply chains, in line with international standards such as the OECD Due Diligence Guidance.
• Traceability Systems: Invest in and implement robust traceability systems to track minerals from mine to market, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Support Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Formalization: Support the formalization of ASM, providing miners with access to training, financing, and safe working conditions, while also implementing environmental protections.

1. Promote Responsible Investment and Sustainable Development:

• Responsible Investment: Encourage responsible investment in the DRC’s mining sector, prioritizing projects that benefit local communities and minimize environmental impact, Carbon Projects for Peace in the DRC.
• Local Content Development: Promote local content development by supporting the growth of local businesses and creating jobs for Congolese citizens. “BUSINESS FOR PEACE”
• Participation: Ensure the participation of local communities in decision-making regarding the exploitation of natural resources on their lands.
• Environmental Protection: Enforce strict environmental regulations to protect the DRC’s biodiversity and prevent environmental degradation from mining activities.
• Benefits: Ensure that local communities benefit from the revenues generated by mining, through local development projects and job creation

By supporting the implementation of these recommendations, the DRC and neighboring countries, Rwanda, Uganda and the EAC, SADEC, the International Contact Group for the DRC (ICG), the European Union (EU), USA, China … or multinational companies will contribute to guaranteeing a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials from the DRC, while promoting the economic and social development of the country and protecting the environment.

Author:

AJVDC: A non-governmental organization, member of the environmental civil society of the DRC, which works to strengthen climate and energy resilience and to fight against poverty in vulnerable communities affected by conflicts and climate change in the East of the DRC.

Association de Jeunes Visionnaires pour le Développement du Congo AJVDC – Brigade Verte

Adresse: 04 Av. Kituku, Quartier Kyeshero C/o Université Cathalique USC à Goma, DRConogo

Email:  ajvdccongovision@yahoo.fr, Tel: +243992570911, www.ajvdc.com

Advocacy Note

Civil society advocacy note for a rapid return to peace in the DRC and for securing the supply chain of strategic raw materials for the energy transition, of which the DRC has a significant reserve.

Call -for – Action