Civil society organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo have expressed concerns over a proposed decree that would allow Congolais to own up to 10% of mining companies operating in the country. The organizations, which focus on natural resource governance, have urged the government to open the process of elaborating the text to all stakeholders. They argue that several provisions raise major questions on legal, economic, and institutional plans.
The proposed decree has sparked fears that it may contradict certain provisions of the 2018 Mining Code, which was revised through a participatory approach involving public administrations, mining companies, civil society organizations, experts, and technical and financial partners. The civil society organizations are advocating for an open and inclusive process to discuss the decree and its application measures. They believe that decisions affecting natural resource governance must be made with the involvement of all stakeholders.
One of the main concerns is that the decree may allow public officials to acquire shares in mining companies, which could lead to conflicts of interest and corruption. The organizations are also worried about the lack of operational financing mechanisms for Congolais to acquire shares and the absence of guarantees to ensure a wide diffusion of investment opportunities. Furthermore, they question the extent of control powers granted to the administration, particularly regarding the protection of commercial information.
To address these concerns, the civil society organizations have made three recommendations to the government. Firstly, they call for a halt to any special arrangements between the mining administration and mining companies. Secondly, they request that the process of elaborating the decree and its application measures be opened to all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and professional organizations. Finally, they propose that an inclusive workshop be held to examine the project.
The organizations believe that the participation of Congolais in the capital of mining companies represents a major economic opportunity and a historical responsibility. However, they stress that this requires transparent, equitable, and inclusive rules that conform to the spirit of the Mining Code. They want to ensure that the benefits of mining are not monopolized by a minority.
The proposed decree is part of a broader effort to revise the Mining Code and regulations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country has significant mineral resources, and the government is seeking to increase revenue from the sector. However, civil society organizations are pushing for greater transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources.
The issue has sparked a heated debate in the country, with some arguing that the proposed decree is an attempt to promote economic nationalism and others seeing it as a way to increase corruption and cronyism. The government has not yet responded to the civil society organizations' concerns, but it is expected to make a decision soon.
Key points
- Civil society organizations in DR Congo are urging the government to revise proposed mining regulations to ensure transparency and accountability.
- The proposed decree would allow Congolais to own up to 10% of mining companies operating in the country.
- The organizations are concerned that the decree may lead to conflicts of interest and corruption.
