Enough Project to present major report detailing new approach to create leverage for democratic change and human rights protections as the Democratic Republic of Congo faces electoral crisis and violence
WHAT: On Thursday, October 27, in Washington DC, the Enough Project and distinguished guests will host “Combating Violent Kleptocracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A New Approach to Create Leverage for Democratic Change and Human Rights Protections.”
The event will launch a new Enough Project comprehensive study authored by Sasha Lezhnev, "A Criminal State: Understanding and Countering Institutionalized Corruption and Violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo." The report is the second installment in the Enough Project’s "Violent Kleptocracy: Corruption and Conflict in East and Central Africa" Series.
Panelists will discuss new policy options for addressing the current crisis in Congo, including using tools of financial and judicial pressure that are normally reserved for combating nuclear proliferation and terrorism, as well as new strategies for good governance.
For media unable to attend, the presentation will be simulcast on livestream video.
Bagels and coffee will be available at the event.
SPEAKERS:
- Dr. Pierre Englebert, H. Russell Smith Professor of International Relations and Professor of African Politics, Pomona College
- Sasha Lezhnev, Associate Director of Policy, Enough Project
- Nita Evele, Board Member, Panzi Foundation
- Holly Dranginis, Senior Policy Analyst, Enough Project
- * Speakers may be added
Introductory remarks by
- John Prendergast, Founding Director, Enough Project
DATE/TIME: Thursday, October 27, 2016 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. EDT
EVENT LOCATION: 1333 H Street NW, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20036
CONTEXT: Over the past 130 years, Congo has exhibited many elements of violent kleptocracy, a system of state capture in which ruling networks and commercial partners hijack governing institutions and maintain impunity for the purpose of resource extraction and for the security of the regime. Ruling networks utilize varying levels of violence to maintain power and repress dissenting voices. This system plays out today with the current regime’s attempt to subvert a democratic transition, as President Joseph Kabila and his associates profit from grand corruption and are trying by all means necessary to hold on to power. The report, based on field and historic research, reveals seven pillars of violent kleptocracy manifest in the government of Congo, including letting security forces pay themselves and ensuring regime-connected elites are not held accountable for crimes.
FOR MEDIA: For media planning to attend the event in person, please email: [email protected]. For media inquiries, interview requests, and to obtain the livestream link and advance copies of the report, please contact: Greg Hittelman, Director of Communications, +1 310 717 0606, [email protected].
About THE ENOUGH PROJECT
The Enough Project, an atrocity prevention policy group, seeks to build leverage for peace and justice in Africa by helping to create real consequences for the perpetrators and facilitators of genocide and other mass atrocities. Enough aims to counter rights-abusing armed groups and violent kleptocratic regimes that are fueled by grand corruption, transnational crime and terror, and the pillaging and trafficking of minerals, ivory, diamonds, and other natural resources. Enough conducts field research in conflict zones, develops and advocates for policy recommendations, supports social movements in affected countries, and mobilizes public campaigns. Learn more – and join us – at www.EnoughProject.org.