In an article (here) published last week by Global Witness about concessions reinstated and awarded to Chinese-owned logging companies, the organization quotes Irene Wabiwa Betoko, Greenpeace Africa Senior Campaign Manager.
We are alarmed that the Minister of Environment has illegally reallocated these concessions in breach of the 2002 moratorium on new industrial logging titles despite their earlier cancellation. Greenpeace Africa calls on the Congolese government to revoke these concessions once more and, this time, sanction the perpetrators.
Africa Confidential posted a tweet:
#DRC President Joseph Kabila's battle with Western mining companies could see them forced out and replaced by Chinese firms. That would put 70% of the world’s cobalt production, a key component of modern batteries, out of the reach of Western companies. https://t.co/jCyoKS07NS
— Africa Confidential (@Africa_Conf) February 25, 2018
In their article (here) they explain how forest, mining and Joseph Kabila are intertwined:
Western mining companies – led by Glencore and Randgold – are readying for battle with President Joseph Kabila over the government’s plans to hike taxes and royalties on their operations. The two companies have been drawn into Congo-Kinshasa’s fractious political scene as Kabila tries to extend his tenure. Due to step down in December 2016, Kabila has gradually stretched out his departure date with the direst consequences for security in the country and economic management.
Earlier this month, The Enough Project has updated their conflict minerals 101 video in which you can learn about what you can do to continue to hold companies accountable:
We’re excited to release our new video on conflict minerals! Find out what you can do to #DemandTheSupply of conflict-free minerals from #Congo in company supply chains: https://t.co/afjXN0oDsb pic.twitter.com/b8c1M2CRGc
— Enough Project (@EnoughProject) February 9, 2018
