Involvement of South Africans in Illegal activities in DRC

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO 634

MS R TALJAARD (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS:

(1) Whether the Government is investigating the activities of any individuals or groups implicated as being part of the elite networks highlighted in the UN Expert Panel's Final Report and the penultimate Report on the Exploitation of the Natural and Mineral Resources of the DRC; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) Whether she will make a statement on the matter? N940E

REPLY:

(1) No.

The Department is not aware of any South African companies or individuals that may be involved in the "elite networks" identified by the Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In its communications with the United Nations Security Council and the Panel, the Government on various occasions indicated that the relevant authorities would require detailed and accurate information on any illegal activities in the DRC by South African entities or individuals before any investigations could be undertaken. While the Government remains willing to investigate allegations made in the penultimate and final reports of the Panel, no such information has to date been received from either the UN Security Council or the Panel.

(2) No.