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International Tribunal Rejects Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Attempt to Avoid Accountability on the Glencore Bribery Case

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1 year ago

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Tribunal

The case, which stems from CLG’s mandate to assist the DRC in recovering losses due to Glencore’s corruption scandal, has gained international prominence

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, December 19, 2024/APO Group/ — 

In a decisive ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the arbitral tribunal has dismissed the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) latest jurisdictional objections, marking a major procedural victory for Centurion Law Group (CLG) (www.CLGGlobal.com) in its ongoing arbitration against the DRC and its anti-corruption agency, Agence de Prévention et de Lutte contre la Corruption (APLC).

The case, which stems from CLG’s mandate to assist the DRC in recovering losses due to Glencore’s corruption scandal, has gained international prominence. Despite benefiting from CLG’s extensive efforts to hold Glencore accountable, the DRC and APLC failed to honor their payment obligations under the Engagement Letter signed in 2022. In a dramatic turn, the DRC attempted to distance itself from the arbitration, claiming it was not bound by the contractual agreement. This jurisdictional objection was a blatant attempt to evade responsibility while undermining CLG’s contributions to fighting corruption and ensuring justice for the Congolese people.

The arbitral tribunal’s Procedural Order No. 2 has now definitively rejected the DRC’s request for bifurcation, ruling that splitting the case into jurisdictional and merits phases would only delay proceedings and unnecessarily increase costs. The tribunal emphasized that justice would be best served through a single, efficient proceeding, allowing CLG to press its claims against both the DRC and APLC without obstruction​.

CLG’s Historic Role in DRC’s Anti-Corruption Efforts

CLG was initially engaged in 2022 under the aegis of the APLC to assist the DRC government in investigations surrounding Glencore’s corruption practices, a matter that resulted in historic settlements exceeding USD 1.5 billion globally. CLG’s expertise and steadfast advocacy were instrumental in positioning the DRC to pursue justice against one of the world’s largest mining corporations.

Yet, despite CLG’s pivotal contributions, the DRC reneged on its financial obligations, prompting CLG to initiate arbitration under the ICC framework. Today’s ruling confirms that the DRC cannot unilaterally erase its commitments under international law.

As the U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York stated, “The scope of this criminal bribery scheme is staggering. Glencore paid bribes to secure oil contracts. Glencore paid bribes to avoid government audits. Glencore bribed judges to make lawsuits disappear. At bottom, Glencore paid bribes to make money – hundreds of millions of dollars. And it did so with the approval, and even encouragement, of its top executives.” Glencore should pay for its crimes and not be rewarded at the expense of the people of the DRC.

The scope of this criminal bribery scheme is staggering

A Monumental Commitment to Justice

This monumental case is now being handled directly by CLG’s international team of arbitrators drawn from its offices across Africa. By committing its own highly skilled, multi-jurisdictional legal team, CLG underscores the generational importance it attributes to this matter and its ardent belief in achieving justice.

We, however, recognize that this ruling is a powerful statement: governments cannot use procedural tactics to avoid their obligations. The decision is not just a vital piece of what we hope could be a resounding victory for us but a validation of our unwavering fight for accountability, fairness, and justice. This case is not simply about compensation, it is about upholding the rule of law and setting a precedent that no entity, no matter how powerful, is above honoring its commitments.

CLG’s decision to centralize its elite African legal team on this matter speaks volumes about its unwavering focus and belief in the cause. With CLG’s resources and resolve, this ruling positions the firm on a path toward securing a significant and long-overdue outcome.

Global Interest and Implications

The case is not only a milestone for CLG but also serves as a watershed moment for global anti-corruption efforts. It highlights the critical role legal professionals play in holding powerful entities accountable while demonstrating that procedural tactics cannot derail justice.

As the case proceeds to the merits phase, CLG remains committed to achieving a resolution that upholds fairness, accountability, and the rule of law.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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