http://www.bicusa.org/en/Region.9.aspx The latest news on Democratic Republic of Congo from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Region.9.aspx The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility will hold the fifth meeting of its Participants Committee in order to discuss several reforms and readiness proposals. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11806.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:17:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11806.aspx Rainforest Foundation Norway, Rainforest Foundation UK, Greenpeace, FERN and Global Witness, released a joint statement on March 12, 2010, criticizing the Democratic Republic of Congo's REDD readiness proposal for the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11804.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:58:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11804.aspx The Bank will delay the proposed refurbishment of the Inga 1 and 2 dams until 2016, and will cut back the size of the project. Staff said that the cutbacks were due to both the world financial crisis and problems specific to the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11790.aspx Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:10:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11790.aspx After the Democratic Republic of Congo cancelled an IFC backed mining contract over disputed payments, the World Bank arm has declared that it will not begin new projects in the country until the dispute is resolved. The IFC is currently active in nine projects in Congo with a commitment of $104.6 million. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11789.aspx Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:35:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11789.aspx Five countries recently submitted Readiness Preparation Proposals to the Participants Committee of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. Argentina, DRC, Ghana, Mexico, and Suriname will have their proposals for grant allocation reviewed at the next meeting of the Participants Committee in March. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11733.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:39:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11733.aspx BIC board member and environmental expert Korinna Horta considers the challenges and opportunities for REDD and forest governance in the Congo Basin region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11682.aspx Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:57:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11682.aspx Observers, however, are skeptical that the proposed project presents a solution to Africa's energy problems and whether the millions of Africans without access to electricity stand to benefit. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11462.aspx Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:47:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11462.aspx DRC mining review process struck down the contract, citing issues such as non-payment of royalties and failure to adhere to an agreed timetable. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11438.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:59:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11438.aspx Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and five other African countries were included in a list of 14 that will take part in the Bank's controversial Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3878.aspx Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:18:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3878.aspx Since the Chinese economy has taken off and it has increasingly looked to Africa to provide raw materials, the World Bank and IMF have been confronted with the question of how to respond. Recent statements by the institutions have shown that these responses are careful and at times contradictory. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3877.aspx Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3877.aspx World Bank involvement in the proposed Inga and Kafue dams has brought criticism over the continued reliance on hydro in a warming world, and intentions to power foreign mining companies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3822.aspx Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3822.aspx During the French environment minister's recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congolese civil society organizations released a statement drawing attention to the alarming situation in the Congo forests and the destructive activities of logging companies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3785.aspx Fri, 30 May 2008 13:31:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3785.aspx The World Bank announced today that it has set up a financing facility in the order of $1.2 billion to assist with the global food crisis. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3784.aspx Thu, 29 May 2008 15:16:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3784.aspx The new Country Assistance Strategy for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which the Bank has kept secret, suggests a continued emphasis on the natural resource sectors as sources of growth going forward and predicts at least $1.4 billion in new lending over the next three years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3729.aspx Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:24:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3729.aspx DRC mining contract commission to push for a greater share in the Tenke Fungurume mining concession, one of the largest copper-cobalt deposits in the world. Critics charge that EIB's investment in the highly contested project before the conclusion of the contract review was "irresponsible." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3719.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3719.aspx An Inspection Panel report on the World Bank’s safeguard policy violations in its Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) forest sector operations prompts discussion on new approach and greater role for Pygmies in decision-making about the future of the world’s second-largest rainforest. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3645.aspx Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:43:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3645.aspx Last week, the Financial Times published an article on the World Bank's errors in its forest operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and allegations of support for illegal logging in the country by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Just two days later, the IFC announced it would sell its stake in Olam International Ltd., the Singaporean commodity trading company accused of "environmental malpractice" in the world's second largest rainforest. As those gathered in Bali for the United Nations conference on climate change discuss the importance of forests to the future health of the planet, the Bank's missteps in Congo deserve a closer look. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3619.aspx Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3619.aspx The World Bank touted it's meeting with a delegation of Pygmies from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the Bank's Annual Meetings in October. But as Simon Counsell of Rainforest Foundation UK points out, the Bank has consistently ignored the findings of the quasi-independent Inspecition Panel and violated its own "safeguard policies." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3585.aspx Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:51:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3585.aspx Leaked report lists IFC-sponsored Kalukundi concession among contracts recommended for renegotiation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3576.aspx Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:34:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3576.aspx According to Bloomberg, the plant would require the use of up to two-thirds of the dam's output. The World Bank previously indicated that it may be willing to support the expansion of the dam. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3574.aspx Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:03:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3574.aspx A coalition of non-governmental organisations from Europe, North America, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched an international appeal today demanding the publication of the final report of the ministerial commission on the review of mining contracts without delay. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3563.aspx Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:31:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3563.aspx The African Development Bank (AfDB) will contribute $100 million despite ongoing review into alleged irregularities associated with mining concession contract. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3520.aspx Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:49:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3520.aspx The World Bank has approved plans to proceed with the development of the controversial Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, although many critical issues remain unanswered. Civil society groups are concerned that the initiative may end up being profitable for governments, companies and investors without any real reductions in carbon emissions, true protection of forest resources, or equitable benefits for the poor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3510.aspx Tue, 25 Sep 2007 11:19:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3510.aspx Proposed copper-cobalt and gold projects re-enforce civil society's misgivings about the International Finance Corporation's commitment to environmental and social sustainability. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3507.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3507.aspx Some observers are apprehensive about the trend among international financial institutions (IFIs) to focus on fragile states, particularly in Africa, and are concerned that these institutions may wield undue leverage over cash-strapped governments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3504.aspx Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:35:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3504.aspx The European Investment Bank this week approved €100 million ($130 million) for the controversial Tenke Fungurume mining project, despite calls from civil society for public lenders to await the outcome of an ongoing examination of 60 mining contracts. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3445.aspx Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:21:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3445.aspx Critics argue that OPIC's expected investment in the Tenke Fungurume mine appears to prejudge the outcomes of the ongoing government review process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3436.aspx Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:05:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3436.aspx Civil society remains concerned that the criteria for cancellation in the legal review may not be strictly applied, and that many dubious titles could be confirmed in the process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3429.aspx Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3429.aspx Critics question whether the Fund has the expertise to engage countries emerging from conflict, and are concerned that the it might exert undue leverage over cash-strapped governments with little bargaining power. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3428.aspx Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3428.aspx Critics contend that even with the upcoming review of 60 mining contracts signed during the war and by the interim government, the Congolese stand to benefit little. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3399.aspx Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3399.aspx Many remain skeptical that the proposed project represents a solution to Africa’s energy woes http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3247.aspx Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:56:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3247.aspx Report entitled "Carving up the Congo" reveals that the world's second largest rainforest is under threat. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3243.aspx Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:44:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3243.aspx “Access to affordable and clean electricity for the millions of Africans who today have none” is a fitting goal for the World Energy Council (WEC)’s energy planning in Africa. But their answer, the $50 billion USD Grand Inga hydropower scheme, is not the panacea project that the WEC would like it to be. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3213.aspx Wed, 14 Mar 2007 16:17:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3213.aspx A coalition of NGOs launched an appeal to the Congolese government, the World Bank and other international partners to "renegotiate, revoke or cancel" disadvantageous mining contracts made during the war and under the transitional government, in order to ensure that the Congolese people derive a "fair share" from the exploitation of the country's natural resources. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3209.aspx Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:14:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3209.aspx Visit signals heightened World Bank interest in the country following the inauguration of a new government, as well as in the wake of controversy around the forest and mining sectors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3197.aspx Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:30:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3197.aspx Civil society releases declaration enumerating key demands concerning forest sector management in the Democratic Republic of Congo. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3196.aspx Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:23:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3196.aspx Study to examine DRC mineral sector’s potential for growth, its ability to contribute to poverty reduction, the infrastructure investment needed to support private sector mining activity, and governance of the sector http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3190.aspx Sun, 25 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3190.aspx World Bank Group private sector lending arms likely to support rehabilitation of Inga hydroelectric site in the Democratic Republic of Congo. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3189.aspx Sat, 17 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3189.aspx A new report from the Rainforest Foundation UK warns that damage to and destruction of Congo's rainforests could cause significant increases in emissions of carbon to the atmosphere http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3188.aspx Thu, 22 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3188.aspx BIC and Environmental Defense release the latest DRC Country Update, which provides information about recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to the work of the International Financial Institution’s (IFIs) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The French version is forthcoming. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3182.aspx Mon, 26 Feb 2007 12:10:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3182.aspx In an op-ed about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the Boston Globe, authors John le Carre and Jason Stearns criticized the unfavorable mining contracts signed between several international companies and Gecamines, the Congolese state-owned copper company, as a threat to the country’s prospects for lasting peace and development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3088.aspx Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3088.aspx The Bank will offer $1 billion to newly-elected President Joseph Kabila in support of his five selected priority areas: health, energy, infrastructure, education and good governance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3052.aspx Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3052.aspx World Bank yet to disclose audits of Democratic Republic of Congo's state-owned copper mining company http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3036.aspx Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3036.aspx An internal memo warns that the Bank may be complicit in the non-transparent awarding of mining contracts that are unfavorable to the country http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3021.aspx Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3021.aspx The head of the extractive industries unit for the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the World Bank’s political risk insurance arm, has expressed an interest in scaling up its portfolio in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mining industry from its present $20.8 million to $500 million within three years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2979.aspx Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2979.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2875.aspx Tue, 11 Jul 2006 15:42:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2875.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2811.aspx Sat, 01 Apr 2006 16:05:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2811.aspx NGOs call upon the World Bank to investigate mining contracts and problems with the Bank's reform project in DR Congo. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2665.aspx Fri, 03 Mar 2006 17:36:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2665.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2623.aspx Fri, 03 Mar 2006 15:15:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2623.aspx The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo reissued a ban on any further logging allocations in the country and is calling for a review of ongoing projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2456.aspx Fri, 28 Oct 2005 15:02:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2456.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2430.aspx Fri, 21 Oct 2005 16:47:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2430.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2340.aspx Thu, 22 Sep 2005 10:23:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2340.aspx