DRC: Civil society organizations demand transparency in draft decree on Congolese participation in mining companies

Civil society organizations working on natural resource governance in the DRC are urging the government to make the process for drafting a decree on Congolese participation in mining companies transparent and inclusive. They want consultations with all stakeholders, in keeping with the participatory approach used for the 2018 Mining Code reform and Article 71 bis. The groups warn that allowing public officials to acquire shares could fuel conflicts of interest and elite capture, and raise concerns about proxy ownership, limited access to financing, and inadequate safeguards for publicizing investment opportunities. They call for an end to special arrangements between the Mines administration and mining companies and propose a multi-stakeholder workshop.