Suchergebnisse

This article explores how the exploitation of key natural resources, diamonds in particular, has contributed to prolonging the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It affirms that the motivation and feasibility of resource exploitation largely explain why external military contingents have remained active in the country since August 1998. Driving forces of war can be identified among elites of Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe, for whom DRC resources have proven decisive to sustain positions of power. Although most exploitation has been carried out at gunpoint, the use of existing networks suggests that withdrawal of forces will not necessarily stop the massive resource diversion. While a lasting resolution to the crisis needs to ensure due benefits to the local population from their resources, it also requires that stakeholders see peace as a more attractive option than continued war.

This report reviews how the "Programme of Norwegian People's Aid" has adapted to reach the objectives it has set for its work for the period from 2004 to 2007. The strategy for 2004-2007 focuses on land and resource rights and democratic rights and participation, and is organised within two programmes, mine action (85% of resources) and development (15%). The evaluation focuses on two different programme areas: The Mine Action Programme: The programme was established in 1995 and specialises in demining and surveying. The period reviewed has been successful on several counts: the number of square metres cleared per year has increased dramatically, cost efficiency has improved, and efforts to achieve socio-economic objectives have been strengthened through the use of aid money. Yet a number of improvements could be made like: making better use of information collected in the Task Impact Assessments (TIA) process, by improving TIA questionnaires and using narrative data for statistical analysis, include women in TIA survey teams, let TIA teams collect data on women's versus men's perceptions and needs. The Development Programme: The programme works in the three provinces and runs activities within land and resources rights, democratic rights and participation, and in relation to building the capacities of partner organisations. With regard to activities on land and resources rights, the programme is well on track towards reaching its aims regarding agricultural development. More effort is needed, however, to reach aims related to land rights and community self-organisation and empowerment.