The illegal trade in natural resources, especially minerals in the east of the DRC, is one of the factors that contribute to political instability and make it difficult to consolidate peace and democracy. SARW has initiated a regional monitoring effort to assess the physical, social and economic security risks, as well as the socio-economic, humanitarian and commercial conditions to which artisanal gold mining communities in North- and South-Kivu, in Maniema and Province Orientale are exposed. With this effort, SARW is contributing to the Congolese people’s search for peace and security, in particular economic stability. The project also demonstrates how civil society can assume a leadership role in the redevelopment of the DRC by providing original field-research and comprehensive analysis. The main goal of the project is to expose the illicit trade of Congolese gold and advocate for its eradication so that violence is reduced and funds from gold mining benefit local people and help reconstruct the country.