DRC natural resources review press of Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Echoing a Global Witness report, the Potentiel informs that "Rwanda and Burundi in the heart of the mining mafia in the DRC." The paper notes: "Even documented evidence Senior officers are caught red-handed in the money ore mafia circuits oiled certification in these neighboring countries are transformed into real Laundry New Global Witness research... revealed the involvement of high-ranking military in the gold trade in eastern Congo. They are Burundians, Congolese and Rwandans. Fraudulent exports tons of gold, tantalum and tungsten are a matter for rebels and Congolese officers and Burundian and Rwandan state structures.The newspaper reports that the information Global Witness document published in French now present the results of research conducted in the DRC in the provinces of North and South Kivu, Burundi and Rwanda in March and April 2013.

On this issue of mines, the Phare newspaper said the National Assembly, "Accused Aubin Minaku reveals .... KAMBINGA withdrew his motion after meeting Minister Kabwelulu". The tabloid said that, according to the deputy Olongo Basil who addressed the press at the end of this hearing. "Minaku revealed Germain KAMBINGA withdrew his motion without the knowledge of the other signatories of the motion, after contact with the Minister of Mines, Martin Kabwelulu".

To believe the Forum des As newspaper, the statement of the President of the National Assembly following a petition filed Tuesday, June 11, 2013 by members of the opposition against the president of the National Assembly. This is actually the logical continuation of their boycott of the plenary session last Monday. And because these elected four parliamentary groups accuse the speaker of the House a number of facts which the most prominent is the freezing of their initiatives in the framework of parliamentary control.



Commenting on the issue, the Observateur newspaper says that some observers have questioned the benefit of expansion of parliamentary control. According to knowledgeable sources, parliamentary control is transformed into a way to get rich by honorable Members. According to the same sources, they have created an unhealthy and unpatriotic practice of having confidence motions and questioning, a bargaining shameful. They initiate projects motions and arrange later with pimps recruited from both Houses of Parliament or outside to negotiate the withdrawal or cancellation of the said motion.On the same issue, the Forum des As newspaper reports on his side that "the President of the National Assembly who met members of the Opposition did not fail to refresh the memory of those elected on what is the accused. He lit the lantern of each other on the fact that his office has recorded 87 oral questions with debate 26 issues, 13 points of arrest, 12 applications of parliamentary inquiry committees and two motions distrust. All these initiatives have come from members of the Opposition and Majority. "On the occasion of a conference of presidents, it was understood that each chairman of the parliamentary group to raise awareness among members so that we can not trivialize parliamentary control. It was also understood that the office should from time to time to see which mediate motion and when should the program. This is for the good time management we. Also on the no-confidence motion against the Minister of Mines, I have build up on the events of this motion that the author had written me to ask you can not program it because it would enrich . Is a member has the right to postpone a motion without consulting the other members? So how do I allow myself to freezing actions emanating mainly from the Opposition? These are questions we must ask ourselves and that we need to work on table in full transparency, "said the President of the National Assembly members of the Opposition.

On another issue, Radio Okapi reported "two militiamen of the Popular Front for Democracy (FPD) Colonel Shetani were arrested Monday, June 10th by elements of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) supported by the warden to Chondo (North Kivu). Fighting broke out between the two groups since June 9. According to the radio, Rodrigue Katembo, the curator of the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) in charge of operations in force joint FARDC-Gardes park, said the two militiamen arrested were transferred to the military camp of the 82nd sector Rwindi. Rodrigue Katembo accused the Mai Mai from Nyamilima have attacked their position in order to practice poaching and illegal fishing in Lake Edward. newspaper the Palmarès calls for the Congolese national parks are managed differently because they have become shelter rebels and other uncivil. The newspaper believes that the leaders of the ICCN must define an efficient policy protection and conservation

DRC natural resources review press of Tuesday, June 11, 2013

The press today was poor about information on natural resources. Some newspapers have echoed a workshop on the theme "Challenges of the environment, reconciliation, justice and peace in Africa in the light of the Social Teaching of the Church" , So, speaking of environmental protection, the newspaper L'Avenir titles: "Mgr Ambongo and Malumalu: a clarion call to the conscience of Catholics!" Two presentations were given in the morning on Monday, the newspaper said. The guidance of Bishop Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, President of the Board of IPCM and the Abbot Apollinaire Malumalu, Director General of the Pan-African Institute Cardinal Martino speech. During the last four days, in fact, seminarians reflected on and discussed the current challenges of the environment Congo - Kinshasa, Africa and the world. They asked an objective look at our culture in terms of land management and nature. They identified the environmental challenges related to the development and peace, according to the Catholic Church. The issue of national and international standards for environmental management has not escaped the analysis of abbots, priests and religious who work at the hotel Marguerite de Kinshasa. To initiate planning on actions for the protection of the environment at the local Church of CENCO, the country, the region and the continent.
Of its site, the site www.cern-cenco.cd reports that there is a "difficult marriage between mines and school Tshikapa." According to the website of the ad hoc Episcopal Commission for Natural Resources notes "hard to believe, but it is a reality. A Tshikapa, qualified 25th municipality of Kinshasa by the diamond, the parents, girls and boys, struggling to pay school fees. lot of children do not complete their studies for the wedding, in the case of girls, and the mines, compared with boys. Everyone is not in the mines, but diamond does not benefit the entire population, however, is exposed to all the consequences, especially environmental, exploitation of this mineral. "

DRC natural resources review press of Monday, June 10, 2013

As one of the results of the first international economic forum of Kinshasa, the Potentiel newspaper announces that Prime Minister Matata Ponyo has proposed the creation of a think tank for the sound management of natural resources. The newspaper, quoting the Prime Minister, writes : "the establishment of a national think tank will be responsible for leading the debate on the current and future work in the DRC to progress economic choices. The think tank was to function as a cross-cutting high-level authority to coordinate negotiations and ensure that the management of natural resources and aligns serve our long-term economic foresight and vision of Congo emerged in 2030.On the same forum, for the Avenir newspaper the, "in order to perpetuate the background work has been done over these two days, it seems urgent that structure monitoring and evaluation is in place. This subject The Prime Minister asked the Organizing Committee of the Forum will make him a proposal to establish a think tank to spearhead the debate on the current and future economic choices that represent the pool that will allow all Congolese to participate in debate on public policies. This think tank could serve as a conduit between the expectations of the Government and the recommendations in this forum.According to the newspaper, this work has been focused on responsible governance and shared natural resources to increase the resources needed to develop the country. The paper recalls some recommendations in relation to natural resources and writes: "In matters of securing revenues from natural resources, the Prime Minister has made the following recommendations: increase the geological research to improve knowledge on reserves in natural resources, taking into account the evolution of technology in the prospective of natural resources and in the process of discovery, use the structured competition (tender, auction as a basic rule) to properly select the businesses and know the rules (Mining Code) in advance, that is to say before any negotiation, etc.. regard to issues of natural resource management and poverty eradication, there is the need to invest in research and development.

Those who will follow up on this forum will have cut out as Radio Okapi reported that a new mining site where mine gold was discovered in the area Kitanda to Kongolo, 350 km north- west of Kalemie, in northern Katanga, according to local authorities. Already insecurity has increased in the area where the presence of armed men, including Rwandan FDLR rebels, has been reported. According to the head of department of mines Kongolo, the new golden career is in the area covering the town of Kitanda, 48 km from Kongolo-center, the main body of this territory.
 On another note, the Forum des As newspaper reports at the close of the 4th day scientists Commissariat Général à l'Energie Atomique (CGEA), participants call for the commitment of the Government in power. And that "to fill hydroelectric energy deficits that arise across the country.

For its part, by taking a reflection on palm oil, the Tempête des Tropiques newspaper defends palm oil with the title "No, palm oil is not so harmful that says. " According to the text, "seen in Europe for some time, palm oil makes the headlines. (...) Every week, environmental groups launched petitions. Doctors and scientists debate the subject. Certain political, Switzerland, have even offered to act globally to combat the oil that would, according to them, a threat to the environment. Yet seen in Africa, says the text, speech is quite different. This millennium food that makes everyday many families is now seen as a development opportunity.

DRC natural resources review press of Thursday, June 7; 2013

The opening of the International Economic Forum in Kinshasa was heavily commented in the press today. The newspaper the Potentiel, for example, says that "the World Bank decided to help the DRC to" exploit natural resources to accelerate human development "and explained that the World Bank has reiterated its determination to support the DRC in its challenge for 2013 to "exploit natural resources to accelerate human development." According to the paper, the goal is to agree on approaches and policies that the income from natural resources are for the benefit of the Congolese people.According to the newspaper, the challenge for the World Bank, is to "capture more rents for economic development, more efficient use of these resources to finance public spending, investing resources in the development of human capital in areas related to the value chain of natural resources and a greater diversification of natural resources. ""We believe there is further progress. It took Turkey 20 years to double its GDP, China 15 years ... Clearly, Congo is on the right track, there is no reason to take a break, "said Eustache Ouayoro, Director of Operations of the World Bank for the DRC and Congo, recalling the way the various projects in the DRC funded by the institution.

Commenting on the Prime Minister's message to the opening of the forum, the Potentiel newspaper informs that "Matata out his vision of Congo" who rises. "In the Democratic Republic of Congo, signs of progress are evident. The numbers are clear on this, said Prime Minister Matata Ponyo Mapon. It has set ambitious targets for the development of the DRC (rate of double-digit growth in 2015, emerging country by 2030 and global power in 2050). This can happen, he says.For the Prime Minister, the paper notes, the organization of this forum is the first opportunity to explore the subject to focus on political solutions to implement to achieve this dream.However, the challenges are still immense. So he gives a great importance to this forum. It is, he thinks, to lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and to make the DRC "the epicenter of growth, an Eldorado for investors, the model of prosperity dream Congolese and Congolese long time. "Referring also the message of the Prime Minister, the Forum des As newspaper notes that the Head of Government reminded the audience that does not share the assumption that the resource curse which the DRC is also a victim. "Why is this so in 10 years, copper production has increased from less than 20,000 tons to more than 600,000 tons? The cobalt 4,000 tons 120,000 tons? I am convinced that by cons it is a matter of governance and leadership. It is therefore important that your analysis into account, "he said.

The Potentiel newspaper reminds that the General Inspectorate of Finance confirmed the disappearance of $ 26 million to DGRAD and indicates that twenty-six million U.S. dollars have disappeared Branch administrative revenue Crown and participation (DGRAD .) To believe the source, these amounts remain found the public treasury.

Recalling the International Environment Day, May 5, Radio Okapi has resumed about René Ngongo, an environmental expert, who said that "in general, the environment of the DRC is sufficiently degraded as a result deforestation due to illegal logging practices. "Ngongo also explains the operation as a craft as industrial minerals and oil in DRC is accompanied by a lot of pollution that affects the general condition of the environment in the country".

The Observateur newspaper reported that "since last Thursday, June 6, 2013, it is organized by the Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Tourism, in collaboration with IUCN / CARPE a training workshop on communication for REDD for the leaders of the NGO Civil Society, frames MECNT and environmental journalists. Seminar This 2-day workshop is held in facilities IUCN / CARPE Kinshasa / Ngaliema and involves more than 30 people and turn around the basics of climate change, the basics on REDD, REDD national strategy so short.

DRC natural resources review press of Thursday, June 6, 2013

Forum des As newspaper announces a denouncing of the General Inspectorate of Finance that alarm for the disappearance of $ 26 million to DGRAD. According to the tabloid, it would more accurately 26 million and $ 297 million CDN (about Usd 300,000) received in 2010 and declared DGRAD even Initiative for transparency in the extractive industries (EITI). These amounts, do you regret the IGF still found the Treasury.The newspaper reports that the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) was received from the Central Government, as part of the development of the EITI Report DRC-2010, the mission to certify that the revenue collected by the Financial Authorities had reached the Treasury . The IGF was booked and the completeness of statements DGRAD because a gap of $ 88 million had not been traced. This is also the opinion that was above the foundation of the temporary suspension of 12 months from the DRC EITI process about two months ago.

Radio Okapi in turn points to several problems on wood in Eastern Province. It first noted that the NGO "Friends of Green" deplore the scarcity of wood in the Aru, Eastern Province. According to the environmental NGOs, this is related to deforestation that prevails in this region. Its project manager indicates that the inhabitants of this territory struggling even to make wooden coffins.

As the same problem in the city of Bunia, in Eastern Province still, radio reports that during the International Environment Day, the coordination of the environment in the Ituri district presented to public This Wednesday, June 5, 20 Bunia, more than ten thousand seedlings (young plants with only a few leaves). They must be distributed to the people of Bunia and its environs for the reforestation of this city of the Eastern Province which is gradually emptied of its trees.

On the same issue of wood, civil society of Basoko territory called the company logging Forabola meet its commitments vis-à-vis the public sector Mongandjo, more than 150 km to the west Kisangani (Eastern Province). President of the civic organization said Tuesday, June 4 that local communities accuse the company immediately to build schools and health centers in quality over fifteen communities where it operates the wooden radio reports Okapi.The representative of local communities, Farabola performed less than 40% of the commitment made in its specification in conjunction with the logging in their forests. Construction remain unfinished in some sites and materials used as bricks, sheets are bad qualities, he said.

The problem also arises wood in the province of Bas-Congo where the Congolese News Agency (ACP) reports that there is a plea for the lifting of the suspension of artisanal logging in Bas-Congo and noted that the provincial government of Lower Congo, in his Cabinet, chaired last week by the governor of Matadi Jacques Mbadu nsitu, called for the lifting of the suspension of artisanal logging in this province. According to the spokesman of the provincial government, the minister in charge of Media Elie Ngoma Binda, the application seeks to end the uncontrolled exploitation of illegal wood stored in forests in Bas-Congo, despite the temporary suspension dating 2007.

In addition, in connection with the annual Forum on economic growth and governance, which opens today in Kinshasa, the Observateur newspaper talks, in an editorial, a forum to transform Congo According to the paper, this meeting which will bring together government and the World Bank, the tops of the economy, economic operators and the number of experts involved after meeting in Lubumbashi on mining assets. . During two days, the newspaper said, the national and international experts will discuss issues, directions to take, see what others are doing to try ultimately to boost reforms that can reduce poverty in the DRC of significantly. This is to be consistent with the deliberate aim that has set the government Matata Ponyo achieve by 2015, a double-digit growth.

DRC natural resources press review of Wednesday, June 5, 2013

The Observateur newspaper informs that part of World Environment Day, June 5 today, the Congolese expected to manage their environment. With many alarm calls related to global warming, this day can not go unnoticed in our country, despite the efforts being made, most people tend to spit on the likely adverse effects of the abuse of environment.

Radio Okapi announced that Alexander Abraham Foundation awarded ten days ago  the price for the Abraham Conservation to guard parks and protected Congolese conservative areas. According to the head of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), Cosma Wilungula, this award recognizes individuals who demonstrate "courage" to protect sites considered as "World Heritage". Congolese park rangers regularly face armed poachers who prey sometimes to protected species.

The Avenir newspaper reports that the presence of 60 presidents of justice and peace commissions, Father Malumalu opened the seminar on the challenges of the environment and reconciliation. During 10 days of training and exchange of experiences, participants coming from Kinshasa, Kilua, Dungu, Uvira, Kananga, Tshumbe, Kisangani, Kasongo Kikwit, Mweka, Cabinda, Mbuji-Mayi, Kisantu Inongo Kipushi Kolwezi, Mbandaka, Boma, Kole Tshumbe and Bukavu in particular, will be marked by a three course highlights, namely the development of outreach tools of the social teaching of the Church, the challenges of the environment, as well as Justice, peace and reconciliation in the light of the social teaching of the Church.

In addition, the Forum des As newspaper reports that while recognizing the efforts of the executive, the Federation of Congolese Enterprises (FEC) challenging the growth announced by the government. The President of the Congolese employers denounces what he considers a "tax burden close to harassment" as in mining and telecommunications sectors .According to the newspaper, the Congolese employers first recognized the Government's efforts to stabilize the macro-economic framework. The chairman of the FEC, Albert Yuma, but expresses a caveat. Especially when justified by the stability that the Congolese state does not pay its domestic debt. This, says Albert Yuma, helps replenish its coffers. For the president of the Federation of Congolese companies, the state should instead focus on national economic operators in the award of contracts.

DRC natural resources review press of Tuesday, June 2, 2013

Despite a motion of no confidence in the National Assembly, the newspaper l'Avenir notes that "the courage of Martin Kabwelulu deserves support" and notes that "the best way to pay tribute to the great son of our country is to recognize their merits and efforts. the time has come to analyze the course in the management of the mining sector, a strategic sector for years. "These are the words of the Honourable Mwepu Pico, who took the time to inform the Congolese people how mining works, the newspaper reported.
The newspaper adds that "in the history of the DRC, mining, like other sectors, need to be led by men or women who have the independence of mind vis-à-vis external pressures. "This was indicated Pico Mwepu, national deputy, referring to the case of Minister Martin Kabwelulu. The MP believes, the newspaper said that "thanks to the efforts of the Minister Kabwelulu Martin, the record today the Government Matata is noticeable." Since he is the head of the Ministry of Mines, the balance is positive. This n does not exclude other adjustments to consider taking into account the context and the difficult international environment, "he advised.

For its part, the biweekly the Maximum reports that the "according to the Belgian ambassador in the DRC, Michel Lastschenko, cargo timber Afromosia (Pericopsis eleta), received on 25 March, the port of Antwerp in Belgium, was released by the authority of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild Fauna and Flora (CITES / Belgium). "This action comes after a thorough investigation by the institution. The bi-weekly said that the ambassador replied to the open letter addressed to him by the Congolese environmental civil society.