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British-Congo Forum

Aim

Chatham House has established a forum bringing together representatives of those groups in the UK who have an active interest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Forum promotes engagement and coordination in bilateral affairs, and supports efforts in the DRC to establish peace, security, human rights, good governance and development.

Background

The DRC is now at a crucial juncture in its history as, for the first time in forty years, the Congolese people have taken part in democratic, multi-party elections which, they hope, will bring to an end a long transition period and the looting of the natural resources of the country. The Congolese people are expecting these elections to usher in a new era of good governance and prosperity.

The UK was the major funder of the elections and has in recent years become the second largest bilateral donor to the DRC. However, the lack of shared cultural, linguistic and historical ties between these two countries makes coordination and the pooling of information key to successful relations.

For a long time the tragic developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) raised little interest in the media and went on unnoticed by the public at large, in spite of the excellent work done by a number of international and local non-governmental organisations. After thirty-two years of a brutal, kleptocratic regime, from 1996 the country became the battleground of armies of several African countries. Close to four million civilians lost their lives and several thousand others were internally displaced. Although the war officially ended in 2002, many of the proxy militias which were created by the warring parties, and rebels from the neighbouring countries, are still operating in the eastern section of the DRC and causing wanton destruction of human lives and infrastructure.

The Forum

Under the auspices of Chatham House, the BCF offers a unique opportunity for individuals, organisations and companies to share knowledge and ideas across the whole spectrum of matters relating to the Congo. It also hosts briefings with notable Congolese visitors, including politicians, civil society activists, journalists, business people and academics. An independent, non-profit and apolitical organisation, the British-Congo Forum (BCF) complements other ongoing initiatives relating to the DRC, and aims to become the centre of excellence and expertise on Congolese affairs, quality information, engaging in a constructive debate and conducting research.

An advisory board made up of individuals with backgrounds in Congolese affairs, oversees and provides direction to the Forum. The DRC Ambassador to the UK and the UK Ambassador to the DRC are on the advisory board. Tom Cargill, Manager of the Africa Programme, and Muzong Kodi, Associate Fellow, are responsible for managing and developing the Forum, and fundraising for it.

Sponsors:

• BHP BILLITON
• ANGLOAMERICAN
• MWANA AFRICA
• DEBEERS

For more information please contact Tom Cargill.

Africa Programme
Chatham House
10 St James' Square
London SW1Y 4LE

Tel: +44 (0)20 7957 5718
Fax: +44 (0)20 7957 5710
Email Tom Cargill