natural resources in conflict

democratic republic of congo

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.