The Congo Peace Network Advocates For the Following Eight Actions

1. Under prevailing conditions, the DRC is a very fragile state. This is a risky country for partners’ political and economic interests both now and in the near future. In order to rise above this uncertainty, strong stable institutions are needed that enjoy Congolese people's confidence. By moving in the direction of good partnership relations with the U.S. and  European countries and improved relationships with neighboring countries, the groundwork can be laid for a change in leadership through the forthcoming elections in 2011. Improved leadership will support the ultimate goal of stronger institutions to support a peaceful and prosperous DRC and Central Africa Region.
   
2. Strongly oppose any political or economic attempts to balkanize the DRC and advocate  for a strong and stable DRC in the region.
   
3. Take a lead role in putting pressure on Rwanda and Uganda not to continue destabilizing the DRC through proxy forces and rebellions, or by exporting their internal political conflicts and problems on DRC soil, by among other things, open negotiations with opponent groups and rebels operating in or from DRC.  Toward this aim, the Congo Campaign calls for the U.S. government to get involved politically, by pressuring the Rwandan government to accept the return of the FDLR and to begin dialogue with the rebels, so that they stop fighting their war in Congo.
   
4. The Congo Peace Network calls for an end to U.S. and British military training and support to Rwanda and Uganda that contributes to conflict in the Eastern Congo.
   
5. Pressure US mining and industrial corporations not to be part of the current plundering of the DRC natural resources or of any  ” blood minerals” business. Along the same line, companies that produce electronics that could contain conflict minerals from eastern Congo, have a responsibility to ensure that their business dealings are not inadvertently helping to fuel atrocities. The Congo Peace Network supports the work of The Enough Project that calls electronic companies into accountability for their mining interests in the war-torn country. For action steps, visit www.enoughproject.org . Further, the campaign urges U.S. citizens to support the Congo Conflict Minerals Act, bipartisan legislation that would force U.S. companies to track and disclose the country of origin of minerals used in common electronic products.
   
6. Make political, economic and diplomatic pressures on DRC government against impunity, human right violations, corruption, mismanagement and undemocratic governance.
   
7. Assist Congolese people in preparing and organizing transparent and free elections in 2011 by supporting leadership change and political organizations and movements that enjoy people's confidence and legitimacy.
   
8. The Congo Peace Network calls for the media to report more thoroughly on the situation in the Congo. It is appalling that the most destructive world conflict of our times has received so little media attention.

For more information, contact editor@congopeace.org.