Civil society organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are calling for a new era of transparent, inclusive, and sustainable management of the country’s vast mineral wealth.
In a joint statement, the Coalition for the Recovery of the Assets of the Congolese People (CORAC) and partner groups urged government authorities and international partners to prioritize ethical investment and community-led development in the exploitation of strategic resources like cobalt, copper, gold, and diamonds.
“We cannot continue with the business-as-usual approach,” CORAC declared. “The Congolese people deserve a model that turns our mineral riches into tangible development.”
Gertler Case Revisited
The statement revisits the long-controversial case of Israeli businessman Dan Gertler, a major figure in the DRC mining sector. Though previously mired in corruption allegations, a 2024 Israeli arbitration ruling cleared Gertler, confirming that payments to Congolese actors were legally channeled into social projects, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
A 2022 agreement between Gertler and the Congolese government led to the return of several key mining and oil assets to the state—an outcome civil society sees as a blueprint for future public-private cooperation.
Call to Lift U.S. Sanctions
CORAC also announced it had formally requested the removal of U.S. sanctions imposed on Gertler, arguing the sanctions now hinder full recovery and use of returned assets and may deter other potential investors from engaging with the DRC.
“Our goal is not to protect individuals, but to ensure that returned resources can benefit the Congolese people,” CORAC explained. “Sanctions that are no longer relevant are blocking progress.”
A Call for a New Generation of Investors
The coalition emphasized the need for a new generation of responsible investors—those willing to work in partnership with local communities, reinvest in national development, and uphold transparency and sustainability as core principles.
“The future of the DRC’s resource economy depends on shared responsibility—among governments, businesses, and citizens,” the statement concluded.
As the DRC continues to attract global attention for its critical minerals—especially in the energy transition—civil society’s voice remains a vital force in steering the country toward equitable and sustainable growth.
