Non-state actors in weak states. An exploration of NGOs and MNCs in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations that operate in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The eastern DRC has undergone several bouts of armed conflict these armed conflicts and other factors have left the region lacking in both services and governance. Non-state actors like NGOs and MNCs deliver several services to the region that the state struggles to provide. However, what services do they deliver and do these services make an impact on the region. In order to investigate these aspects this thesis attempts to answer the following research questions: How do MNCs and NGOs deliver services and governance in the region? Furthermore, how do NGOs and MNCs interact with each other in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo? Finally, what enables the non-state actors to be able to deliver services and governance to the region? In looking at the services this thesis uses document analysis to determine the services delivered, their impact and how they are able to deliver services and improve governance. Based on the analysis these non-state actors are involved in delivering much needed services to the region and they do so through various ways. When they deliver these services they also influence the governance in the region and this in turn helps the local population. They are able to deliver the services as there exists a number of outside influence that facilitate the governance provided. Even though the non-state actors provide important services and governance their presence in the region is not unproblematic.