GOVERNANCE, SECURITY AND COBALT IN THE DRC’S COMPLEX LANDSCAPE

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) presents a complex and challenging environment for both governance and security. The country’s rich natural resource endowment, including its vast cobalt reserves, further complicates matters. Cobalt, a critical component in batteries used in electronic devices and electric vehicles, has positioned the DRC as a pivotal player in the global supply chain. However, the exploitation of this resource has often been associated with human rights violations, environmental degradation, and the exacerbation of existing tensions within local communities.

In this context, ICoCA recognises the urgent need to strengthen civil society organisations’ (CSOs) capacity to monitor private security activities in the DRC. ICoCA’s latest mission in the country in January 2024 focused on this aspect. For 10 days, the Secretariat worked with local CSOs on monitoring and documenting PSC activities. ICoCA also engaged with several international organisations to discuss the challenges posed by PSCs in complex environment.