Congo to audit forest concessions, suspend 'questionable contracts'

FILE PHOTO: Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo attends a news conference at the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) meeting in Berlin, Germany, August 27, 2021. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi/File Photo

KINSHASA (Reuters) - President Felix Tshisekedi has called for an audit of Democratic Republic of Congo's vast forest concessions and the suspension of all "questionable contracts" until the audit is concluded.

Home to 60% of the world's second largest rainforest, Congo plays a critical role in regulating Earth's climate but conservation groups say corruption and poor governance make its forests vulnerable to expanding agriculture and illegal logging.