Statement in support of the people and communities of the DRC

Motion in support of the people and communities of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

We, the members of the Publish What You Pay (PWYP) global network from more than 50 countries around the world, meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 18 to 20 February 2025, note with regret that the current war in the east of the DRC is essentially linked to the illegal exploitation of natural resources. The upsurge in violence of all kinds in recent weeks has had the following direct consequences: sexual violence, including gender-based violence; an impressive and constant number of wounded and dead; the massive displacement of populations and a humanitarian disaster.

The occupation of several towns and cities in the east of the country, including Goma and Bukavu, has been accompanied by reprisals against journalists, human rights defenders and other whistleblowers.

In view of the above, we, the members and partners of PWYP:
– support the ongoing mediation initiatives to end the conflict;
– give our unwavering support to the sovereignty of the DRC so that it can dispose of its natural resources;
– condemn this aggression against the DRC because of its natural resources;
– demand an end to reprisals against our members and other civil society actors.

Publish What You Pay is a global network of civil society organisations that aim to empower communities in their quest for equitable governance of natural resources and a just energy transition for all, within the natural limits of the planet.

PWYP World Assembly