Global Witness - Breaking the links between natural resources, conflict and corruption
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.
Latest Publications
February 2010
Global Witness Vacancy - Senior Climate Campaigner
Global Witness is recruiting for an experienced senior campaigner to work with two of the Founder Directors, to shape and implement Global Witness' new Climate Campaign. The campaign is an advocacy based campaign on climate change and energy security.
Senate shines welcome spotlight on U.S. facilitation of corruption
A senate subcommittee hearing this week will expose how foreign politicians have used the services of American lawyers, bankers, lobbyists and other professionals, to bring millions of suspect dollars into the country.
January 2010
New report urges UN to learn lessons on resource-fuelled wars
The UN and Member States must do more to address the role of natural resources in incentivising, financing and preventing resolution of conflict, according to a new report from Global Witness, which draws on lessons from countries including the DRC, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Global Witness launches pioneering forest transparency website
Natural-resource campaign group Global Witness is today publishing the first ever Forest Sector Transparency Report Card via a dedicated website, www.foresttransparency.info. The launch will take place at an illegal logging update meeting today, hosted by Chatham House in London.
Proposed changes to Liberian forest laws would open way for devastating logging and slash government revenues
Changes to Liberia's forestry law proposed by the Liberian Timber Association would dramatically reduce revenue for the state and are not in the best interests of the country.
Ghana controversy shows need to shine a light on oil deals
A controversy over allegations of corruption in the oil industry, which broke last week in Ghana, shows the need for much greater openness in the way in which companies gain access to the oil reserves of developing countries.
