Priorities for 2000/2001

With a newly-enlarged team of analysts now in place in the region, ICG proposes to concentrate on deepening its analysis and stepping up its advocacy efforts in relation to the following four priority areas:

• Burundi's peace process - Monitoring and supporting the ongoing Burundi peace process will remain a priority in the coming months. ICG will publish regular reports on the progress of negotiations, assess the quality of a peace accord if reached, follow its implementation and continue to brief the diplomatic and NGO community on key issues at stake.

• Congo's peace process - ICG will provide more regular and detailed assessments of the Lusaka peace process. Reports will assess the work of the Joint Military Commission and the progress of the Congolese National Debate. ICG will monitor the military situation and provide recommendations for the deployment of a peacekeeping force in the DRC as well as for peace enforcement operations foreseen in the Lusaka agreement. ICG will also follow closely the evolution of ethnic tensions in North and South Kivu where the Banyamulenge are especially at risk.

• The regional war economy - After years of local and regional wars, a flourishing war economy has developed in Central Africa, centred on the supply of weapons and illicit trade. ICG will examine the growth of this "shadow" economy, especially regarding the exploitation of natural resources from the Congo, identifying key stakeholders, the role of mafia-type groups in reinforcing regional militarisation and the impact on the region's development prospects.