Johannesburg – The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has dismissed the recent jurisdictional objections posed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) related to a claims dispute concerning services rendered by Centurion Law Group (CLG).

This ICC decision relates to the ongoing arbitration involving the DRC and its anti-corruption agency, Agence de Prévention et de Lutte contre la Corruption (APLC).

The ruling marks a significant procedural win for CLG.

The origins of the case lie in CLG’s engagement to assist the DRC in recovering losses associated with Glencore’s corruption scandal, capturing international attention.

Despite enjoying the benefits of CLG’s extensive efforts to hold Glencore accountable, the DRC and APLC have failed to meet their payment obligations stated in the Engagement Letter signed in 2022.

In a surprising turn of events, the DRC sought to escape the arbitration, arguing that it was not obligated by the contractual agreement.

This jurisdictional challenge appeared to be a blatant effort to evade accountability while undermining CLG’s crucial role in combating corruption and delivering justice for the Congolese people.

The arbitral tribunal’s Procedural Order No. 2 has decisively rejected the DRC’s request to separate the case into jurisdictional and merits phases, asserting that such bifurcation would merely prolong the proceedings and unnecessarily inflate costs.

The tribunal emphasized that justice is best served through a consolidated, efficient process, enabling CLG to pursue its claims against both the DRC and APLC without obstruction.

CLG’s Pivotal Role in DRC’s Anti-Corruption Campaign

CLG was initially engaged in 2022 under the direction of the APLC to assist the DRC government with investigations into Glencore’s corrupt activities, leading to historic global settlements exceeding USD 1.5 billion.

CLG’s expertise and steadfast advocacy have been critical in empowering the DRC to seek justice against one of the largest mining companies globally.

However, despite CLG’s integral contributions, the DRC has failed to fulfill its financial obligations, prompting CLG to initiate arbitration under the ICC’s framework.

Today’s ruling confirms that the DRC cannot unilaterally dismiss its commitments under international law.

As U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York pointed out: “The scale of this criminal bribery scheme is staggering. Glencore paid bribes to secure oil contracts.

Glencore paid bribes to evade government audits. Glencore bribed judges to dismiss lawsuits.

Essentially, Glencore paid bribes to generate profits – hundreds of millions of dollars – with the approval and encouragement of its top executives.”

Glencore must be held accountable for its actions and should not profit at the expense of the DRC’s citizens.

A Historic Commitment to Justice

This landmark case is now under the direct supervision of CLG’s international panel of arbitrators, gathered from its offices across Africa.

By deploying its skilled, multi-jurisdictional legal team, CLG affirms the generational importance it places on this case and its unyielding dedication to achieving justice.

We acknowledge that this ruling serves as a strong statement: governments cannot exploit procedural maneuvers to evade their responsibilities.

This decision is a pivotal component in what we hope will be a resounding victory for our cause, reflecting our ongoing pursuit of accountability, fairness, and justice.

This case transcends mere compensation; it is about upholding the rule of law and establishing a precedent that no entity, regardless of its power, is exempt from fulfilling its obligations.

CLG’s decision to centralize its exceptional African legal team in this matter underscores its unwavering focus and commitment to the cause.

Equipped with resources and tenacity, this ruling positions CLG on a path toward achieving a meaningful and long-awaited outcome.

Global Significance and Consequences

This case represents not only a milestone for CLG but also a crucial moment for global anti-corruption efforts.

It highlights the critical role that legal professionals play in holding powerful entities accountable, demonstrating that procedural strategies cannot hinder the pursuit of justice.

As the case advances to the merits phase, CLG remains steadfast in its commitment to securing a resolution that champions fairness, accountability, and the rule of law.