11.11.11 et al vs. Cogecom

Allegations

In October 2002, a United Nations Panel of Experts accused 85 OECD-based companies of violating the Guidelines for their direct or indirect roles in the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Panel alleged that “elite networks” of political and military elites and businesspersons fueled the conflict in order to retain their control over the country’s vast natural resources. In November, 2004, a group of Belgian NGOs filed a complaint against George Forrest International SA, Cogecom, Nami Gems and Belgolaise Bank.

Relevant OECD Guidelines

• Version 2000 Chapter I
• Version 2000 Chapter I Paragraph I.7
• Version 2000 Chapter II
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.1
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.10
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.3
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.5
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.6
• Version 2000 Chapter II Paragraph II.7
• Version 2000 Chapter IV
• Version 2000 Chapter IV Paragraph IV.1 Subparagraph IV.1.B
• Version 2000 Chapter IV Paragraph IV.1 Subparagraph IV.1.C

Outcome

The case was rejected due to the existence of ongoing legal procedures. The complainants note that the NCP’s decision was never formally communicated. They learned about the NCP’s decision in the OECD’s annual report in 2005.

More details

Related complaints

• 11.11.11 et al vs. George Forrest International SA
• 11.11.11 et al vs. Nami Gems
• 11.11.11 et al vs. Belgolaise

Documents

• reject

  15 June 2005

  The NCP rejects the case due to the existence of ongoing legal procedures.

  NCP Belgium
• file

  24 November 2004

  A group of 15 Belgian NGOs filed a complaint against Cogecom at the Belgian NCP for the company's involvement in the financing of the rebel movement of RCD-Goma in the DRC.

  Wereldmediahuis vzw