1 Linkages of International Environment and Security Policies: Conflict Prevention and Peace Making in Eastern Africa. POSSIBLE RESPONSE TO COLTAN EXPLOITATION IN EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. By John Katunga Murhula NPI-Africa 16-Nov-04

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4 What is Coltan and Where is it found? Coltan is an abbreviation for colombite- tantalite, a mineral from which the precious metals Tantalum (Ta) and Colombium (Cb), also known as Niobium (Nb), are extracted. Africa as a whole supplies less than a fifth of world tantalum supplies. 80% of known tantalite reserves are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, almost entirely in the Eastern part

5 Qualities and Use of coltan. COLTAN ductility and density have made it popular with the military for armour penetration. density and nuclear stability make it a valuable material for containers of radioactive elements The electronics industry consumes the majority of tantalum produced (approximately 60%) for capacitors. manufactures heaters for acids and heat shields for rocket motors. Used in the fabrication of corrosion resistant process equipment including reaction vessels, columns, bayonet heaters, shell and tube heat exchangers, U-tubes, thermowells, spargers, rupture diaphragms, and orifices.” Recently the main attraction of tantalum has been in the construction of capacitors in mobile phones.

6 Consequences of illegal exploitation of Coltan. Greatly contributed to the death of 3.5 millions of Congolese for the last 4 years! Generalized and permanent insecurity. Continued violent conflicts and tensions between states in the region (Burundi, D.R. Congo, Rwanda and Uganda) Exacerbation of existing community/ ethnic conflicts and creation of new ones. (Land expropriations, displacement of populations, Forced labor etc.) Proliferation of armed groups and arms trafficking Undue enrichment of political and armed groups leaders. Increased poverty of the majority of people. Food insecurity ECOCIDE

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9 Responses and Results UN, INTERNATIONAL NGOS, GOVERNMENTS, LOCAL NGOS AND RESEARCHERS, RELIGIOUS GROUPS, COMMUNITIES: Some multinationals have ceased to openly operate Some governments have pledged to investigate their companies Prices of coltan have gone down Violent and illegal exploitation Congolese resources continues unabated. The price of cassiterite (tin) has gone up.

10 Recommendations/Priorities TO DONOR AGENCIES, INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENTS. Support the reconstruction of a strong, central and democratically elected government in Democratic Republic of Congo. Establish at national level a special commission on the use of revenues collected from coltan and other minerals (Careful composition.) Establish a special inter-parliamentary commission to revisit all the contracts signed by previous governments and renegotiate the terms of reference wherever unfairness is evidenced. (International support needed) Support to a negotiated regional framework for cooperation and collaboration primarily targeting the following countries: Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia and Sudan. (GLR peace conference.) Support for community sustainable dialogue, restorative justice and reconciliation mechanisms. Establishment of appropriate joint SYSTEMATIC (not ad hoc) mechanisms to improve community relationships. E.g. Each protocol should embed such mechanisms. Device appropriate restorative justice and reconciliation processes. E.g. Make the minerals exploitation a joint community effort through Cooperatives

11 Prerequisites (Challenges) 1 DONOR LONG-TERM COMMITMENT FOR MASSIVE FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT. LEADERS ARE LEGITIMATE (DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED) IN THE REGION. THE PREVAILING PHENOMENON OF ARMS MADE LEADERSHIP IN THE REGION IS DISCOURAGED. (E.g. by denying them international recognition and legitimacy.)

12 Prerequisites (Challenges) 2 STOP THE FLOW OF ARMS INTO THE REGION AND THE CONTROL OF THE GLOBAL MERCENARISM. (E.g. condemning States sponsored international banditry and arms deals in troubled areas) CONTROL OF THE CRIMINALIZATION OF MINERALS EXPLOITATION BY PREDATORY MULTINATIONALS AND OTHERS. (E.G. Internationally agreed upon minimum standards and regulations.) RELEVANT CIVIL SOCIETY MEMBERS PARTICIPATION SHOULD BE GUARANTEED AT ALL LEVELS OF NEGOTIATIONS AND DECISION-MAKING.

13 Lessons 1 1.INTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION IS MORE EFFECTIVE WHEN A DETERMINED AND COMMITTED COUNTRY/ORGANIZATION TAKES THE LEAD IN THE COLLECTIVE EFFORT. 2.RECONSTRUCTING THE STATE APPARATUS IS KEY TO STABILITY IN THE REGION. 3.THE DESTRUCTION OF THE ECOSYSTEM IN ONE COUNTRY WILL AFFECT THE REST OF COUNTRIES IN THE REGION AND BEYOND. Ecology has no political boundaries, it is global ubuntuism. 4. NO LASTING SOLUTION UNLESS IT IS REGIONALLY NEGOTIATED. No single country will enjoy lasting peace in isolation of others in the region. 5. CIVIL SOCIETY PARTICIPATION AT ALL LEVELS OF NEGOTIATIONS WILL ENSURE LEGITIMACY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF ACCORDS.

14 DEAR ALL THE PEOPLE OF GREAT LAKES REGION OF AFRICA THANK YOU!