OSISA has been instrumental in rebuilding civil society in the DRC following the intergenerational trauma of the Congolese War. The organisation has been involved in mining reform, improving political participation, protecting human rights defenders and championing engagement with social and economic rights.
OSISA has been instrumental in rebuilding civil society in the DRC following the intergenerational trauma of the Congolese War. The organisation has been involved in mining reform, improving political participation, protecting human rights defenders and championing engagement with social and economic rights.
The mere fact that civil society could take a seat at the table during the mining reform at the table is a huge achievement in a mining country like the DRCis a huge achievement
OSISA’s presence in Southern Africa is a prominent achievement, with offices in Angola, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite navigating the generational trauma of multiple wars in the DRC, OSISA has achieved significant wins in developing mining reform, political participation, and defending human rights.
“We have done much to take political participation to a new level where multiple voices can be heard.”
Opening an office
OSISA’s DRC office was opened in 2010. OSISA had already been working in the DRC on two specific projects:
- Southern Africa Resource Watch – a project dedicated to research and advocacy surrounding natural resources, and
- AfriMap – a project focused on research and advocacy on Governance founded by the Open Society Foundation of Southern Africa.
The office was founded to strengthen OSISA’s presence in the region. “We came into the DRC to help rebuild a dynamic civil society across the country,” explains Nick Elebe, Country Director of OSISA for the DRC.
Mining reform
Since 2007, OSISA has been working tirelessly towards mining reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), starting with the implementation of the Resource Watch programme. Through this initiative, OSISA contributed to the review of mining contracts signed during the First Congo War.
As Elebe explains, “These contracts were signed during a time of war, with little regard for the country’s interest, and resources were sold for money.” However, OSISA stepped in to assist the government to revisit and renew these contracts in a way that benefits the Congolese people.
OSISA’s efforts towards mining reform have continued, with the organisation contributing to the 2018 reform of the DRC Mining Codes by supporting civil society groups through its convening power, research and technical assistance. The process began in 2012, and after several tripartite sessions involving the state, mining companies, and civil society, an amended code was drafted.
“60% of civil society recommendations were included in the reformed code”
According to Elebe, “The fact that civil society had a seat at the table in a mining country like the DRC is a massive achievement.” OSISA’s work has led to significant progress towards fair and equitable mining practices in the DRC.
Political participation
During the 2006 elections, the conversation was primarily between the state and foreign donors, with Western donors having a significant influence.
However, OSISA has made a concerted effort to ensure that the voices of the Congolese people are heard during elections and placed on the anti-corruption agenda. Through strategic grant making, technical assistance and advocacy, the organisation has contributed significantly to improving transparency and governance.
“We have done a lot to take political participation to a new level where multiple voices can be heard,” says Elebe.
Human rights defenders’ protection programme
OSISA is dedicated to protecting human rights defenders and has implemented several programmes to achieve this goal. These include training individuals to safeguard themselves both physically and digitally.
The urgent need to provide human rights defenders with legal and economic support was brought to the fore by the tragic murder of Floribert Chebeya Bahizire, the executive director of Voice for the Voiceless and Fidèle Bazana. “This event was a significant turning point in our work,” says Elebe. In response, OSISA quickly mobilised resources to ensure the support of high-profile lawyers during litigation.
Floribert Chebeya Bahizire’s killers were brought to justice in 2011, when a military court convicted five policemen of planning and carrying out his assassination. However, much remains to be done.
OSISA’s protection programme has also supported civil society with a draft law to protect human rights defenders. This bill is currently under parliamentary review.
Youth programmes
In 2012, the DRC office started a youth internship programme for young people with the opportunity to gain work experience in the OSISA DRC office for periods of varying length.
In addition, under the auspices of the Open Society Foundation’s global youth programme, undergraduate students received training in public speaking skills in order to prepare them for participation in political life.
“Since 2012, more than 60 people have joined the internship programme.”
Lessons learned
The DRC office achieved a great deal with a minimal budget. For example, the organisation’s youth internship programme was an enormous success, allowing a new generation of activists to gain experience with the inner workings of human rights advocacy.
Elebe also highlights the incredible potential of art in promoting human rights reform. “We recognise that we have been slow to utilise the power of culture and art in our work,” Elebe explains.
To address the lack of knowledge transfer and inclusion in civil society, OSISA is committed to training a new generation of activists through investing more resources across all its programming.
Furthermore, the organisation has taken significant steps to raise the profile of women’s rights by investing in the development of a new generation of female activists, increasing engagement around social and economic rights and promoting gender mainstreaming in the mining sector. Additionally, OSISA’s internship programme has enabled youth investment in the mining sector, setting up a new generation of activists in that field.
Conclusion
OSISA is to be commended for its presence in Southern Africa and the impact of its work in the DRC. The organisation’s efforts to promote mining reform, political participation, and human rights protection have achieved significant wins and have helped to rebuild a dynamic civil society across the country. Looking towards the future, Elebe hopes that OSISA can sustain and build on these achievements.
