DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

I. Country Profile

Official Name

Democratic Republic of Congo

Geography

Area: 2 345 410 sq. km.

Location: Equatorial Central Africa

Capital City: Kinshasa

Bordering States: Rwanda; Burundi; Central African Republic; Republic of Congo; Sudan; Tanzania; Uganda; Angola; Zambia

Terrain: Varies from tropical rainforests to mountainous terraces, plateau, savanna, dense grasslands and mountains

Climate: Equatorial, ranges from tropical climate in the Congo River Basin; hot and humid in the north and west; cool and dry in the south central area and eastern region

People
Population: 58784400 (2004 est.)

Population Growth: 3%

Life Expectancy: 45,2 years

Ethnic Groups: Over 200 ethnic groups, of which the majority are Bantu; Mongo; Luba; Kongo; Mangbetu-Azande

Languages: French (official); Lingala; Swahili; Kikongo; Tshiluba

Religion: Roman Catholic (50%); Protestant (20%); Kimbanguist (10%); Muslim (10%); Traditional (10%)

Literacy: 65,5% (2003 est.)

Education: None: 41,7%; primary: 42,2%; secondary: 15,4%; tertiary: 0,7%

Economy

Currency: Congolese Franc

GDP: $6,6 billion (2004 est.)

GDP Growth (annual): 6,3% (2004 est.)

GDP Composition: Agriculture (55%); Industry (11 %); Services (34%)

Per Capita GDP: $98,65

Revenue (% of GDP): -0,0

Inflation: 17% (2004 est.)

Natural Resources: Copper, cobalt, diamonds, gold, other minerals, petroleum, timber, hydroelectric potential

Agriculture: Cash crops: coffee, rubber, palm oil, cotton, cocoa, sugar, tea; Food crops: manioc, com, legumes, plantains, peanuts

Industries: Mining (diamonds, copper, zinc, gold); processed and unprocessed products; consumer products (textiles, plastics, footwear, metal products, cement, timber, processed foods and beverages)

Land Use: Agriculture 3%; pasture 7%; forest 77%; other 13%

Export Trade: $10,40 billion (2002 est.) (products: diamonds; cobalt; copper; coffee; petroleum)

Import Trade: $12,16 billion (2002 est.) (products: consumer goods; capital equipment; refined petroleum products)

External Debt: $7,6 billion (2003 est.)

Foreign Direct Investment: $158 million (2003 est.)

Government
President: Joseph Kabila

Vice-Presidents: Jean-Pierre Bemba; Azarius Ruberwa; Arthur Z' Ahidi Ngoma; Yerodia Abdoulaye Ndombasi

Foreign Minister: Raymond Ramazani Baya

State Structure: Highly centralised with legislative and executive power vested in the President

Constitution: Constitutional Act promulgated May 1997; Transitional Constitution adopted 2 April 2003; Draft Constitution adopted 13 May 2005

Branches: Executive: President is Head of State and Government, assisted by four Vice Presidents; Cabinet: 35-member executive appointed by signatories to the Global and Inclusive Agreement, 17 December 2002;

Legislative: 500-member Transitional Parliament appointed by signatories to the Global and Inclusive Agreement; Judiciary: Supreme Court

Legal System: Belgian Civil Law and Tribal Law

Administrative Divisions: Ten provinces and capital city, Kinshasa

Major Political Parties: Democratic Social Christian Party (PDSC); Front Uni de 1'Opposition non-Armee (FRUONAR); Mouvement Populaire de la Revolution-Fait Prive (MPR-FP); Mouvement pour la Liberation du Congo (MLC); Parti du Peuple pour la Reconstruction et la Democratie (PPRD); Rassemblement Congolais pour la Democratie (RCD) - subject to factional splits (RCD-Goma; RCD-Kisangani; RCD Nationale); Unified Lumubast Party (PALU); Union of Federalist and Independent Republicans (UFERI); Union pour la Democratie et Ie Progres Social (UDPS)

Suffrage: 18 years and older, universal and compulsory

Membership of International Organisations: United Nations (UN); African Union (AU); Southern African Development Community (SADC); Community of East and Southern African States (COMESA)

II. History

The Congo was appropriated as Congo Free State in 1884 by Belgian King Leopold n, who capitalised on the Congo's mineral reserves. In 1907, the country's administration shifted to the Belgian government and was renamed the Belgian Congo.

After an upsurge in nationalist sentiment, galvanised by the Congolese National Movement, independence was granted by Belgium on 30 June 1960. Lumumba was elected as Prime Minister and Kasavuba as President of the renamed Democratic Republic of Congo. By 1961, ideological and power conflicts had emerged to destabilise the country. The army mutinied, Lumumba died in mysterious circumstances, Katanga province attempted secession and a UN peacekeeping force was called in to restore order. In 1965, after leading a military coup against the government, Mobuto seized control and proceeded to rule the country for 28 years, renaming the country Zaire.

By 1996, war and genocide in neighbouring Rwanda had spilled into Zaire. In October 1996, Rwandan troops (RPA) entered Zaire simultaneously with the Alliance des Forces Democratiques pour la Liberation du Congo-Zaire (AFDL), a newly formed armed coalition, led by Laurent-Desire Kabila. Supported by Rwanda and Uganda, the AFDL began a military campaign to oust Mobutu, who left Zaire in May 1997. Kabila declared himself President, consolidating power around himself and the AFDL and renaming the country the Democratic of Congo (DRC). By 1998, relations between Kabila and his foreign supporters had deteriorated and Kabila ordered all foreign troops out of the DRC. Conflict erupted on 2 August 1998, as Rwandan and Ugandan troops entered the country. The Rwandan attempt to overthrow Kabila failed after Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe intervened on behalf of Kabila. Rwandan forces and the Rwandan-backed rebel group Rassemblement Congolais pour la Democratie (RCD) withdrew to eastern DRC, where they continued to fight the Congolese Army. In February 1999, Uganda backed the formation of rebel group Mouvement pour la Liberation du Congo (MLC), which established control over northern DRC. The country became divided de facto into three segments, with a military deadlock between the parties controlling each segment.

On 10 July 1999, a cease-fire was proposed in Lusaka, Zambia. The Lusaka Accord, signed by all parties to the conflict in August 1999, called for the deployment of a UN Mission to the DRC, the withdrawal of all foreign troops, and the launching of an "Inter-Congolese Dialogue" to form a transitional government leading to democratic elections. These provisions were never fully implemented, and criticism toward Kabila increased as he blocked full deployment of UN peacekeeping troops, suppressed internal political activity, and hindered progress toward an Inter-Congolese government.

On 16 January 2001, Laurent-Desire Kabila was assassinated. He was succeeded by his son, Joseph Kabila, who reversed many of his father's policies. The Inter-Congolese Dialogue proceeded and DRC-Rwanda talks took place in South Africa, culminating in the Pretoria Accord in July 2002. Rwandan troops officially withdrew from the DRC in October 2002, with Ugandan troops following in May 2003.
The Inter-Congolese Dialogue began in Addis Ababa in October 2001, making little progress, but reconvening on 25 February 2002 in South Africa. It included representatives from the government, rebel groups, political opposition, civil society and the Mai-Mai (Congolese local defence militias). The talks ended inconclusively on 19 April 2002 when the government and MCL brokered an agreement that was signed by the majority of delegates, but excluded RCD-Goma (a militant faction of Rassemblement Congolais pour la Democratie) and the opposition UDPS party, among others. The agreement was never implemented and negotiations resumed in South Africa in October 2002, leading to an inclusive power-sharing agreement. The Global and Inclusive Agreement was signed by delegates in Pretoria on 17 December 2002, and formally ratified by all parties on 2 April 2003. Following nominations by each of the various signatory groups, President Kabila issued a decree that formally announced the Transitional Government. The Transitional Constitution of the DRC was promulgated on 4 April 2003 and on 7 April 2003, Joseph Kabila was sworn in as President of the new Transitional Government, which will remain in place until democratic elections are formally held in June 2006.

A referendum on the new constitution was held on 16 December 2005 and an overwhelming 84% of the electorate voted yes for the constitution. The constitution was promulgated on 18 February 2006 and the electoral law was- adopted on 21 February 2006, providing the framework needed to proceed with elections thus permitting the official establishment of a timeline and dates for elections, as well as the nomination of electoral candidates.

III. Economy
The economy of the DRC remains unstable and characterised by a lack of macro-economic management, prevalence of corruption, lack of legal regulatory frameworks for economic activities, and the virtual absence of a functioning infrastructure. In 2001, the government, under President Joseph Kabila, undertook a series of economic reforms monitored by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address these problems. Reforms included liberalisation of petroleum prices and exchange rates, and adoption of disciplined fiscal and monetary policies. The reform programme reduced inflation from over 500% per year in 2000 to approximately 7% at an annual rate in 2003,., increasing to 17% in 2004. In June 2002, the World Bank and the IMF approved new credits for the DRC, and in October 2003 launched a multi-sector plan for reconstruction and development. The Paris Club granted the DRC Highly Indebted Poor Country status in July 2003, in an attempt to alleviate the DRC's external sovereign debt burden and to potentially free funds for economic development. The World Bank is currently supporting efforts to restructure the DRC's large parastatal sector and to rehabilitate the DRC's neglected infrastructure, including its hydroelectric system.

The DRC's economy is dominated by primary sector activities, with agriculture as its mainstay, accounting for 55% of the GDP. Industry, particularly the mining sector, is underdeveloped relative to its potential, accounting for 11% of the GDP, with 3,9% attributed to manufacturing. Services have reached 34% of the GDP. The DRC was the world's fourth largest producer of industrial diamonds in the 1980s and diamonds continue to dominate exports, accounting for over half of all exports ($642 million) in 2003. Copper and cobalt interests are dominated by the state-owned mining giant, Gecamines, which has been severely affected by corruption, civil unrest, world market trends, and failure to reinvest. In October 2003, a report by the UN Panel of Experts on the illegal Exploitation of Congolese Resources indicated that countries involved in conflict in the DRC have developed significant economic interests in the country. These interests are complicating efforts by the Transitional Government to better control its natural resources and to reform the mining sector.

The DRC continues to generate a dual economy. Individuals and businesses in the formal sector operate with high costs, under arbitrarily enforced laws. As a result, the informal sector now dominates the economy. In 2002, with the population of the DRC estimated at 58 million, 230 000 Congolese working in private enterprise in the formal sector were enrolled in the social security system and approximately 600 000 Congolese were employed by the government. In 2004, the Congolese government approved a new investment code, a new mining code, and created a new commercial court. Its objective is to attract investment by ensuring transparent treatment to private business.

IV. International Relations
The DRC's size, mineral wealth and strategic importance have made it a key player in the region since independence. With its dominating position in Central Africa, stability in the DRC forms an important element in the overall stability of the Great Lakes region. Its relations with neighbouring countries have frequently been driven by security concerns, leading to intricate and interlocking alliances. Conflicts in the Central African Republic, Sudan, Uganda, Angola, Rwanda and Burundi have at various times created bilateral and regional tensions. The current volatile instability in eastern DRC has its roots in the use of the DRC as a base for various insurgency groups intent on launching attacks on neighbouring countries. In the absence of a strong Congolese Government with an integrated military force capable of securing the DRC's borders, cross-border conflict continues, exacerbated and prolonged by the exploitation of the DRC's resources by neighbouring countries

The DRC's international relations have, however, improved under President Joseph Kabila's leadership. The International Committee in Support of the Transition - composed of ambassadors to the DRC from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Belgium, Canada, the European Union, South Africa, Angola, Gabon, Zambia, the African Union, and the UN Mission in the DRC (MONUC) - has slowly grown into an active oversight role with respect to the transitional process and its players, and has sought to provide greater co-ordination among its members. MONUC, operating under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, is maintaining a strong presence in the DRC. International financial assistance is increasing as progress in the Transitional Government's development projects improves. The international donor community is actively supporting security sector reform and the process of disarmament, demobilisation and integration of armed forces.

V. Bilateral Relations between South Africa and the DRC

Following the large-scale destruction caused by the DRC's intra and inter-state wars, South Africa has sought to bring about a resolution to the country's spiraling conflict, and to assist with the subsequent peace process. South Africa is actively committed to supporting the transitional process and assisting the DRC in post-conflict reconstruction and development. Pursuant to this objective, a General Cooperation Agreement, signed by South Africa and the DRC on 14 January 2004, has served to strengthen bilateral political, economic and technical cooperation.

The Agreement has made provision for the establishment of a Bi-National Commission (BNC) as an annual forum for exchange and dialogue. The Third Session of the BNC, conducted by Presidents Joseph Kabila and Thabo Mbeki in Kinshasa on 15-16 March 2006, focused on measures required to encourage a predictable and stable economic environment that would unlock international investment and trade opportunities in the DRC. The BNC has further facilitated the deployment of South African governmental task teams to Kinshasa to assist the DRC with electoral preparation; institutional reform and capacity-building; census of civil servants, the development of anti-corruption mechanisms, and the demobilisation and registration of armed forces. The implementation of these objectives are reviewed by South Africa and the DRC on a quarterly basis at a Ministerial level.

A credible electoral process is central to the DRC's transition from a post conflict to a democratic and unified state. Its New Constitution was adopted by Parliament on 18 February 2006, after a successful referendum, and the electoral law was adopted on 21 February 2006 providing the framework needed to proceed with elections. South Africa is currently assisting the DRC in preparation for presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled to take place before the end of June 2006, after which the transitional government is suspended.

VI. Diplomatic Representation
A South African Liaison Office was opened in Kinshasa in July 1989. Following the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries on 30 September 1992, the liaison office was upgraded to an Embassy.

South African Embassy
77 Avenue Ngogo Lutete, Gombe, Kinshasa Postal: Boite Postale 7829, Kinshasa 1 DRC
Tel: 09 243 88 48287
Tel: 0924381 3330085
Tel: 0924381 7005414
Tel: V-SAT via Pretoria 0123511811 Fax: 092438804152
Fax: V-SAT via Pretoria 0123511711

Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: 8h00 - 12h30, 13h30 - 16h30

Time Difference with South Africa: -1 hour

South African Representation in DRC
H.E. Mr S Ngombane
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

Mr Kenneth Pedro
Minister Counsellor

Contact: 09 243 81 333 0085

Mr Victor Mokgatle Counsellor
Contact: 09243 81 5045235

Embassy of the DRC in South Africa
791 Schoeman Street, Arcadia 0083 Pretoria
Postal: P.O. Box 28795, Sunnyside 0132

Pretoria

Tel: 012 344 6475/6 Fax: 012 3444054

Congolese Representation in South Africa
H.E. Mr B L M'poko
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

VII. Travel Information

Entry/Exit requirements for South Africans
A passport, visa and evidence of a yellow fever vaccination are required for entry to the DRC. Visas should be obtained from the Embassy of the DRC in Pretoria, prior to arrival.

Health Requirements
A yellow fever certificate is mandatory. There is a high risk of malaria throughout the year. Cholera and polio are present. Immunisation for hepatitis A and B, tetanus and typhoid is recommended.

Climate
A tropical climate exists, with the north and west subject to heat and humidity. The dry season for northern DRC continues from December to March, while the south is dry from May to October.

Currency
The only legal tender is the Congolese Franc, which is not freely convertible.

Safety and Security
South African citizens travelling to the DRC are urged to exercise caution and maintain security at all times. The DRC remains unstable, despite efforts by the Transitional Government to advance stability throughout the country. Violence and armed attacks occasionally occur in eastern DRC, including Orientale, Kivu and Katanga provinces, where illegal militias and foreign rebel forces are currently operating. The safety of South African citizens travelling in these regions cannot be guaranteed. Travel in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Kisangani and most major cities is generally safe during daylight hours, but travelers are urged to be vigilant against criminal activity, which targets non-Congolese travelers, particularly in areas around hotels. In cases of theft and robbery, legal recourse is limited. Travelers should avoid civil disturbances that may occur without warning in all areas, and which may have the potential to become violent. Any negative incidents experienced by South African travelers should be reported to the South African Embassy in Kinshasa.

Medical Facilities and Health Information
Medical facilities and materials in the DRC are limited. South African travelers should carry properly labeled prescription drugs and other medication with them, and should not expect to acquire an adequate supply of prescription or over-the-counter drugs in local pharmacies. Drinking water is unsafe and water precautions should be taken at all times.