Conflict May Complicate Oil Development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The governments of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are exploring options for the Congo to join Uganda and Kenya's proposed pipeline project and to serve as an eventual supplier of oil through that pipeline. The Congo is a minor oil producer, with most of its current production along its western coastline, but the Congo, like Uganda, has been trying for a decade to entice international oil companies to develop its oil resources stranded in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Unlike Uganda, however, development of those resources could re-aggravate century-old hostilities among the local population. Kinshasa has only loose control over the region, and any oil development there will be mired in corruption, smuggling and conflict that will limit the stability of oil flows and the level of investment.