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.
The panelists discuss new policy options for addressing the crisis, 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.
Distinguished guests:
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
Peter Harrell, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Center for a New American Security and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions
Nita Evele, Board Member, Panzi Foundation
Holly Dranginis, Senior Policy Analyst, Enough Project
Moderator
Rudy H. Massamba, Program Officer for Central Africa, National Endowment for Democracy
Introductory remarks by
John Prendergast, Founding Director, Enough Project
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