About the project

In an already fragile Central African neighborhood, the Democratic Republic of the Congo—Africa’s second largest country by area, fourth largest by population, and potentially one of the richest countries on the continent with mineral reserves worth $24 trillion—stands at a vital juncture in its history.

Congo on the Edge

AfricaSource Jan 14, 2020

Congo, one year later

By Pierre Englebert

Overall, while there has clearly not been any regime transition in Congo, there are faint stirrings of change. It is long shot, but it seems that the Western strategy of embracing Tshisekedi in exchange for Kabila’s removal from office may yet – possibly, hopefully – bear some fruit.

Africa Corruption
Congo on the Edge

Event Recap Apr 4, 2019

Congolese president discusses strategic partnership with the United States

By Africa Center

On Thursday, April 4, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center hosted H.E. Félix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Atlantic Council Vice President and Africa Center Director Dr. J. Peter Pham, who concurrently serves as US special envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa, introduced the President and welcomed participants. […]
Africa Corruption
Congo on the Edge

Event Recap Sep 3, 2020

Expert panel responds to incidents of North Korean sanctions evasion in the DRC

By Africa Center

On Thursday, September 3, the Africa Center hosted a virtual panel to discuss the latest report published by The Sentry: Overt Affairs: How North Korean Businessmen Busted Sanctions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Sentry’s Director of Illicit Finance Policy Ms. Hilary Mossberg provided opening remarks alongside Africa Center Director of Programs and Studies Ms. Bronwyn Bruton, […]
Africa Corruption

Issue Brief May 11, 2016

Congo blues: Scoring Kabila’s rule

By Pierre Englebert

Across Africa, leaders are tinkering with term limits and prolonging their tenures. In an increasingly unstable Central African region, Joseph Kabila, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), appears poised to be the next African leader to sidestep the relinquishing of power and the election of his successor, constitutionally mandated for November 2016. […]
Africa Civil Society

Issue Brief Mar 14, 2016

Why the Congo matters

By Gérard Prunier

With a population of almost 80 million people and unparalleled natural resources, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the DRC or the Congo) is a country of tremendous potential—but only that. One of the most violent places on earth, its people suffer from the brutality of armed groups and political instability. Now, President Joseph Kabila’s […]
Africa Corruption

Experts

Fellow

Rama Yade

Senior Director, Africa Center

Africa Center Europe Center

Civil Society Human Rights

Fellow

J. Peter Pham

Distinguished Fellow

Africa Center

Politics & Diplomacy National Security

Fellow

Private: Pierre Englebert

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Democratic Transitions Elections

All content

AfricaSource

Jul 12, 2024

Integrating artisanal mining into the formal economy would benefit African miners and economies alike

By Sarah Way

Many artisanal and small-scale miners work informally and face harsh conditions. Here’s how the international community can help.

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

AfricaSource

Jun 3, 2024

In a Congolese mining case, Biden can secure a win for US sanctions policy in Africa

By Benjamin Mossberg

Easing sanctions on Dan Gertler gives Washington the opportunity to show that its sanctions policy toward Africa can be effective.

Africa Corruption
DRC

AfricaSource

Sep 27, 2022

Here’s what a Marshall Plan for the DRC could look like

By Jean-Paul Mvogo

The development progress the DRC witnessed in the 1970s is now lost. A massive economic assistance program equivalent to the Marshall Plan may be necessary to recover what’s been lost.

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

AfricaSource

Sep 24, 2021

Make way for Wakanda: The UN Security Council needs an African seat

By Rama Yade

The Security Council was built on the principle of sovereignty and equality of all nations. Its democratization and reformation are overdue—and must consider Africa.

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

Event Recap

Jun 29, 2021

Prof. Séverine Autesserre says that it’s time for the peacekeeping community to ‘walk the walk’ when it comes to localized peacebuilding

By Africa Center

On Tuesday, June 29, the Africa Center convened a private event with award-winning author Professor Séverine Autesserre for a discussion on localized peacebuilding and her new book, The Frontlines of Peace.

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

AfricaSource

Mar 29, 2021

Africa’s real strategic import for the green economy

By J. Peter Pham

Among its efforts to address climate change, the Biden administration has laid out an ambitious agenda for a clean energy revolution. This will require significant quantities of raw materials. And here the African continent has an important role to play.

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

Event Recap

Sep 3, 2020

Expert panel responds to incidents of North Korean sanctions evasion in the DRC

By Africa Center

On Thursday, September 3, the Africa Center hosted a virtual panel to discuss the latest report published by The Sentry: Overt Affairs: How North Korean Businessmen Busted Sanctions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Sentry’s Director of Illicit Finance Policy Ms. Hilary Mossberg provided opening remarks alongside Africa Center Director of Programs and Studies Ms. Bronwyn Bruton, […]

Africa Corruption

In the News

Jun 24, 2020

Englebert in Le Monde: Aujourd’hui comme sous Léopold II, le Congo reste la façade institutionnelle d’un voleur érigé en Etat

By Atlantic Council

Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo

In the News

Apr 3, 2020

Englebert quoted in Voice of America on the effects of COVID-19 on conflict-ridden regions

By Atlantic Council

Africa Conflict

AfricaSource

Mar 26, 2020

COVID-19 in the DR Congo

By Private: Pierre Englebert

As of March 24, the Democratic Republic of Congo had only forty-eight confirmed cases of coronavirus, with three dead of the disease. But although Congo is only in the very first stages of the pandemic, the contrast between the degree of state capacity and social discipline that it takes to stifle the disease and Congo’s record on these two counts is particularly worrisome.

Africa Coronavirus
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