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A strategic partnership between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently under discussion. This partnership represents a historic opportunity to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and promote sustainable development, particularly in the mining sector, which is vital to global technology and energy industries.

Major US companies such as KoBold Metals and AVZ Minerals have already expressed interest in this emerging partnership with the DRC. Their involvement could pave the way for:

• massive foreign direct investment;
• job creation and local skills development;
• infrastructure modernization;
• the introduction of good environmental and social practices in mining;

What mechanisms are in place to ensure transparency and monitoring of the strategic minerals partnership between the US and the DRC? More specifically, what role can play Congolese civil society in promoting accountability?

The issue of monitoring new contracts and investments, such as those involving KoBold Metals and AVZ Minerals, is crucial to ensure that they contribute to sustainable development and do not exacerbate inequalities and corruption. This is all the more important given that the DRC’s mining industry is historically vulnerable to corruption, contract mismanagement, and political influence.

A History of Repeated Challenges

The DRC is rich in natural resources, but the history of the extractive sector is marked by opaque practices, poor contract management, high-level corruption, and largely non-existent local development. Too often, big promises of foreign investment fail to translate into improved living conditions for local communities or structural transformation of the economy.

That is why transparency, accountability, and citizen participation must be at the heart of this new strategic partnership.

What Monitoring Mechanisms Can Prevent Corruption?

1. Contract Transparency and Public Oversight

The DRC is a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which requires the publication of mining contracts, revenues, and the actual ownership of companies. However, implementation remains weak. Civil society organizations, such as CERC, have a vital role to play in monitoring compliance with transparency obligations, particularly at the local level where mining takes place.

2. Independent Monitoring by Civil Society

The ability to conduct independent assessments of mining revenue management and the implementation of social commitments made by US companies is something that CERC is capable of. Thanks to its strong presence in eastern Congo and its dynamic network of young people trained in social accountability, CERC is well placed to highlight discrepancies between promises and the reality on the ground.

3. Active Participation in Governance Spaces

Civil society participation mustn’t be limited to observation. CSOs must be integrated into monitoring committees and contractual negotiations. Their expertise can help assess environmental and social impact reports, verify the implementation of local content obligations, and ensure that affected communities are genuinely consulted.

4. Digital Tools to Fight Corruption

CERC can deploy civic technologies such “Citizen Eye” to collect corruption reports, monitor procurement processes, and detect failures in project implementation. By training citizens, youth, and community leaders on these tools, we can build effective early warning systems.

5. Legal Empowerment and Advocacy

CERC is also committed to strengthening the legal capacity of communities so that they understand their rights in the mining sector and can hold US and DRC companies accountable. Through our expertise in civic education and human rights, we contribute to structured, evidence-based advocacy.

6. International Support and Institutional Recognition

For CSOs to be effective, they must have adequate funding, legal protection, and technical support. International partners, particularly those involved in the US-DRC Partnership, should formally recognize the role of organizations in governance mechanisms and allocate resources to support their work on the ground.

The strategic partnership between the DRC and the United States on critical minerals can be a lever for real transformation, provided that it is governed with integrity, transparency, and inclusivity. CERC stands ready to play its role as a citizen watchdog, mobilizing youth, local communities, and institutions to ensure that this new investment dynamic is synonymous with social justice, local development, and sustainability.

We call on the Congolese authorities and their international partners to integrate civil society in a structural manner into this process. In this way, the DRC’s natural resources will cease to be a curse and become an engine for a shared future.

Author : Heri Bitamala, +12062223388

CERC is launching an ambitious initiative to build integrity and anti-corruption measures in the education sector. This initiative takes the form of a Draft Law aimed at incorporating Integrity Clubs and an Integrity Education course in all secondary schools across the country.

CERC, an organization dedicated to promoting integrity and transparency, developed this proposed law in collaboration with Members of Parliament (APNAC DRC), education experts and civil society actors.. The primary objective is to raise awareness among students from a young age about the principles of integrity, civic responsibility, and anti-corruption efforts.

In 2022, the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC RDC) endorsed this initiative at the DRC National Assembly. These parliamentarians, fully cognizant of the dire consequences of corruption in education and on the nation’s progress, have taken the initiative to champion this Draft Law and transform it into actionable legislation.

The Integrity Clubs outlined in this proposed law will be dynamic structures within schools, composed of elected students tasked with promoting integrity and transparency. Concurrently, the Integrity Education course integrated into the regular school curriculum will educate students on ethical issues and civic responsibility.

This initiative represents a major step forward in the fight against corruption in the DRC, as it aims to instill integrity values from an early age and mobilize students as key actors in this struggle. It also aligns with a broader effort to strengthen institutions and promote good governance.

CERC and the parliamentarians who are members of APNAC RDC call for widespread support from the population and civil society actors to make this proposed law a concrete reality. Together, we can work towards a future where integrity and transparency are the cornerstones of our education system and society as a whole.

Download the Draft Law.

Corruption has been a longstanding issue in the DRC, particularly in infrastructure projects funded by international aid and public resources. These projects, vital for economic development and improving citizens’ quality of life, often face corruption at various levels, leading to cost overruns, substandard work, and delayed completion.

The mismanagement of funds and lack of oversight have resulted in projects that do not meet quality standards or fail to benefit the intended communities adequately. This wastes public funds, undermines trust in government institutions, and hampers socio-economic progress. However, innovative approaches, such as the use of technology and citizen-led advocacy, offer promising solutions to mitigate corruption risks and ensure transparency and accountability in infrastructure development.

One organization at the forefront of addressing corruption in infrastructure projects in the DRC is the Centre de Recherche sur l’Anti-Corruption (CERC). CERC has developed innovative tools and strategies to empower citizens and hold government officials and contractors accountable. One such tool is the CitizenEye Mobile App, a user-friendly platform that allows citizens to report corruption, monitor projects, and engage in advocacy efforts.

The CitizenEye Mobile App enables citizens to document and report irregularities they observe in infrastructure projects, such as embezzlement, bribery, and poor construction quality. Through real-time reporting and geo-tagging features, citizens can provide evidence directly to CERC, enhancing transparency and enabling swift action against corrupt practices. Moreover, the app serves as a communication channel for citizens to voice their concerns and demand accountability from relevant authorities.

In addition to the technological aspect, CERC employs a citizen-led advocacy approach to complement its monitoring efforts. By organizing training workshops, community meetings, and awareness campaigns, CERC empowers citizens with knowledge about their rights, the importance of transparency in infrastructure projects, and strategies for effective advocacy. This grassroots mobilization not only strengthens communities’ capacity to detect and prevent corruption but also fosters a culture of civic engagement and accountability.

The impact of CERC’s approach is evident in several successful cases where citizen monitoring and advocacy have led to positive outcomes in infrastructure projects. For instance, through citizen reports and advocacy campaigns, CERC exposed corrupt practices in a road construction project, leading to investigations, disciplinary actions against officials involved, and the redirection of funds to complete the project as per standards.

By leveraging technology, citizen participation, and advocacy, CERC’s model presents a viable solution to combat corruption in infrastructure projects in the DRC. However, sustaining these efforts requires continued support from stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners. Investing in transparency measures, strengthening anti-corruption institutions, and promoting civic engagement are crucial steps towards ensuring that infrastructure development in the DRC benefits all citizens and contributes to sustainable development.

9 youth-led and youth-serving organizations trained under Youth Excel’s ICON project joined their effort to design and implement a Joint Quick Impact (QIP) Project  “Socio-Economic Reintegration of 45 Unemployed and Underrepresented Youth in Kinshasa.  The primary objective of this QIP is to provide comprehensive support to 45 young people who currently face challenges in accessing sustainable employment opportunities and are marginalized within society. Through a multi-faceted approach, the project seeks to empower these youth with the skills, resources, and knowledge necessary to reintegrate them into the socio-economic fabric of Kinshasa.

The project encompasses a range of activities tailored to the specific needs of the participants. These activities may include vocational training, capacity-building workshops, mentorship programs, and access to crucial resources for job-seeking and entrepreneurship. By offering a holistic support system, the project aims to not only equip the participants with practical skills but also boost their confidence and self-efficacy.

Furthermore, the project places a strong emphasis on fostering a sense of community and collaboration among the participants. This is achieved through various group activities, networking opportunities, and the creation of a supportive environment where these young individuals can exchange ideas and experiences.

The “Socio-Economic Reintegration of 45 Unemployed and Underrepresented Youth in Kinshasa” project aspires to break the cycle of unemployment and underrepresentation among this demographic, paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered youth population in Kinshasa. Through this initiative, the participating organizations aim to contribute to the larger goal of building a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

Youth Represent DRC is part of the activities carried out under USAID’s global Youth Excel: Our Knowledge, Leading Change program, led by IREX. Through Youth Excel, youth-led and youth-serving organizations in Kinshasa collaborate and conduct implementation research, learning how to strengthen the inclusion of underrepresented and marginalized youth in education and workforce development in DRC.

CERC in partnership with IREX and SFCG, held the issue-Based Collaborative Networks (ICONs) Data Summit in Kinshasa in August 2022. The event was part of the Youth Excel’s ICONs, a youth participatory research project in Kinshasa and North-Kivu, that aimed to improve youth’s ability to sustain positive livelihood-related outcomes for underrepresented youth and support them in advancing development agendas. Through the project, diverse youth leaders, alongside local youth-led and youth-serving organizations, participated and designed research to inform priorities and programming, compiled in final knowledge products.

The summit provided an opportunity for ICONs participants to present their final knowledge products to a diverse range of stakeholders under the umbrella of “Increasing inclusion of underrepresented and marginalized young people in education and in workforce development programmes”.

A multi-stakeholder consultation workshop was held on Wednesday, July 28, 2022, in the conference room of the Horizon Hotel in Bukavu, bringing together 41 participants, including representatives of the Ministry of Education, parents associations, teachers unions, education experts, and NGOs.

Organized by CERC as part of the Students Acting for Accountability and Quality of Education in DRC project, the workshop’s purpose was to review the CERC’s policies, programs, and curricula related to transparency, integrity, and anti-corruption in secondary schools.

At the end of this workshop, a memorandum of understanding for integrating integrity clubs in all secondary schools in South Kivu has been signed between the Ministry of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education through the Provincial Directorate of Education of South Kivu 1 and CERC.

The “Students Acting for Accountability and Quality of Education in DRC” project is a 30-month program funded by the Global Partnership for Education and implemented in six municipalities in Kinshasa and six municipalities in South Kivu by CERC.

To ensure that the Democratic Republic of Congo has accountable schools that can provide quality and inclusive education to students, the project plans to ensure that:

• By the end of 2024, 50 senior education officials, 6 civil society organizations, and 10 parliamentarians are working closely with CERC to incorporate anti-corruption measures and the promotion of accountability in the education sector;
• By the end of the project, 2250 students (ages 14-19) are engaged and supported to become active agents of positive change by advocating for anti-corruption behavior and the promotion of accountability and to demand that education reforms meet their needs;
• By the end of the project, 150 secondary schools support the incorporation of integrity clubs to ensure the long-term sustainability of anti-corruption and accountability efforts in the education sector;
• Advocacy and student-led campaigns create broader support and demand for anti-corruption measures and the promotion of transparency in the education sector.

We are thrilled to share that 9 incredible youth-led and youth-serving organizations, including one LGBTQI-led organization and 2 organizations led by People Living with Disabilities, have successfully completed inclusive professional training programs!

These programs have taken a forward-thinking and holistic approach to skill development, covering a diverse range of disciplines. From Computer Sciences, unlocking opportunities in the digital world, to practical and economically impactful skills like Sewing, Breadmaking, and Milk Manufacturing.

This initiative goes beyond just equipping youth with practical skills. It also aims to foster a sense of inclusivity and empowerment among marginalized communities. By addressing the unique needs of LGBTQI individuals and those living with disabilities, we are actively contributing to the creation of a more equitable and inclusive society.

Kudos to all the organizations involved and a huge shoutout to CERC for spearheading this amazing initiative! Let’s continue to support and uplift marginalized communities, together.

From 2 to 15 November 2022, a series of workshops were conducted in South Kivu and Kinshasa, with the participation of 300 students. These workshops were organized under the “Students Act for Accountability and Quality in Education in the DRC” project, funded by the Global Partnership for Education. The main objective of the workshops was to enhance the students’ capacity to promote accountability and improve the quality of education.

Read also: Integrity Clubs in Schools

Over the years, educational institutions in the country have been affected by various challenges, including ethical issues, inadequate infrastructure, poor delivery of services, insufficient resources, and corruption in the supply chain. These issues greatly impede the progress of the education system and hinder the students’ ability to receive quality education.

The workshops aimed to address these challenges by equipping the students with the necessary skills and knowledge to advocate for accountability and bring about positive changes in their respective educational institutions. The training included a wide range of topics, such as monitoring processes, data collection utilizing the EduCheck techtool, and advocacy with school authorities.

During the workshops, students actively engaged in discussions, brainstorming sessions, and practical exercises. They learned about effective strategies to monitor and evaluate the quality of education, ensuring that schools adhere to ethical standards and provide adequate resources for teaching and learning. Furthermore, they were introduced to the EduCheck techtool, a powerful tool that enables them to collect and analyze data related to various aspects of education, helping them identify areas that require improvement.

Read also : Using data to address educational quality and accountability issues in real-time

In addition to the technical skills acquired, the workshops also emphasized the importance of advocacy and collaboration. Students were encouraged to voice their concerns, engage with school authorities, and work together to bring about positive change. By empowering the students to be proactive agents of change, the workshops aimed to create a culture of accountability and ensure that education is prioritized and receives the necessary attention it deserves.

Overall, the workshops held in South Kivu and Kinshasa between 2 and 15 November 2022 played a crucial role in strengthening the students’ capacity to hold educational institutions accountable and improve the quality of education in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through their newfound knowledge and skills, these students have become catalysts for positive change, paving the way for a brighter future for education in the country.

Starting in January 2023, trained students will use “EduCheck” to monitor elements such as water and sanitation in the school, the attendance and behavior of teachers and students, and the lack of basic equipment such as desks, books, and teaching materials.

Million’s children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo schools learn in infrastructures that did not meet minimum norms and standards. Secondary schools in Uvira are struggling to provide adequate educational facilities for children. This means that children are forced to study in buildings built in the 1990s that lack everything: proper toilets, running water, libraries, and adequate teaching materials. It’s is a fundamental problem, as the quality of school facilities is linked to the academic performance of students and teachers.

Students-led monitoring and advocacy as a creative way to change the status quo

A lack of effective students’ engagement often mismatches what the education service is trying to achieve and students’ needs. The students-led monitoring initiative in South Kivu is helping to improve the delivery of education services and strengthen accountability between students, communities, and education sector decision-makers.

To ensure the school meets minimum education standards, CERC established 35 Integrity Clubs in Uvira, trained 525 monitors, and equipped them with technology and tools to monitor education services in their schools. CERC’s training in Community Integrity Building enables monitors to analyse school performance, take photos of the services, conduct beneficiary surveys, verify findings, and engage with stakeholders such as the headteacher and parents committee to fix problems.

In June 2018, two months after they were trained and started follow-up activities using the training and tools they received, monitors from these 35 partner schools discovered several severe problems with the school’s facilities. A frequent problem found in all schools was the lack of adequate toilet facilities that could not meet the demand and were not cleaned regularly. The monitoring results also showed that 19 schools lacked running water. This means that students did not wash their hands after using the restroom and missed drinking water at school.

These monitors raised problems and recommendations with their school officials from that time onwards. Through this constructive engagement, these students have influenced the change in their schools, ensuring that additional classrooms are built, poor facilities rehabilitated, toilets built, desks repaired and leaking tiles replaced.

By 2020, 13 secondary schools monitored are now using water in the toilets, spraying them with the danger of hand-dirty disease. In addition to this, the three schools have new toilets and classrooms thanks to the commitment of the young community monitors.