While a ban on the export of raw materials originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) would be counterproductive, punitive measures are still needed to curb the illegal exploitation of the country's natural resources by criminal organizations and persons, according to a report by a group of United Nations experts released today.
"Massive technical and financial assistance for the population would be required to offset the humanitarian impact of such restrictive measures," an expert panel appointed by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan to investigate the illegal exploitation of natural resources and other forms of wealth of the DRC says in its report.
Nevertheless, steps need to be taken against companies or individuals or the country risks encouraging a continuation, or even an increase, of exploitative and illegal activities.
The report recommends that financial restrictions be placed on 29 companies based in Belgium, Rwanda, Uganda, DRC, Zimbabwe and South Africa, and a travel ban and financial restrictions imposed on 54 persons, including Augustin Katumba Mwanke, Minister of Presidency in the DRC, Kibassa Maliba, a former Minister of Mines, and Mwana Nanga Mawapanga, a DRC Ambassador in Harare.
The report recommends that financial restrictions be placed on 29 companies based in Belgium, Rwanda, Uganda, DRC, Zimbabwe and South Africa, and a travel ban and financial restrictions imposed on 54 persons, including Augustin Katumba Mwanke, Minister of Presidency in the DRC, Kibassa Maliba, a former Minister of Mines, and Mwana Nanga Mawapanga, a DRC Ambassador in Harare.