Génération Déterminée Leader Bernard Katompa Appoints Amsterdam Group / Belgrave International As Advisors

Génération Déterminée, a Congolese civic action group led by businessman Bernard Katompa, has appointed Amsterdam Group Public Relations and its UK sister firm Belgrave International to bolster its international communications and campaign strategy.

The voluntary organization, with offices in Kinshasa, Johannesburg and around the world, is working to mobilize citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo and their family members abroad to bring about fundamental political and economic change in their native country.

In announcing the appointment, Mr. Katompa said Génération Déterminée -- in English, the Determined Generation -- aims to get its message of hope to as many Congolese as possible, wherever they might currently reside. “We are planning a campaign which will alter the course of the DRC’s future, from penury to prosperity, from political instability to democracy,” he said.

The former chief executive of Liberty Africa, a successful financial services group he founded with operations in 16 African countries, Mr. Katompa was previously a senior executive with mining giant BHP Billiton, and has had experience managing mining ventures in Africa, North America, Latin America, Australia and Europe.

With a population of 75 million, the DRC is one of the largest countries in Africa and is richly endowed with unexploited natural resources. But violence, unabated corruption and underdeveloped infrastructure have left its people among the poorest in the world. Mr. Katompa said Génération
Déterminée will be seeking the participation and support of the millions of Congolese abroad, particularly those who have succeeded in business, and who have experienced the benefits of political freedom.

Sam Amsterdam, founding partner at Amsterdam Group Public Relations, said his firm was excited about the opportunity to change perceptions about the DRC.  “Fred Harrison, who runs Belgrave International in London, and I have come to regard Mr. Katompa as an inspiring leader who we believe has the capability to take his nation forward, bridging the gaps between the few who have prospered and the many who have not, and between those in authority and the many millions who are currently powerless.”

About Génération Déterminée

Génération Déterminée is a pan-African association speaking out against corruption in government and encouraging citizen participation and journalism in rooting out fraud and the manipulation of justice, with particular regard to French Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Movement aims to help build a prosperous continent, strong and respected in the global community of nations, supporting the desperate need for change for a country that has the potential to offer something of value not only to its people, but to the world.

Guided by the values ​​behind the Pan-African spirit, the Génération Déterminée believes in respect for democratic principles and harmony regardless of ethnocultural background, religion, political affiliation, skin color, study level, physical condition or social class.

The Movement is open to all organizations, so long as they too adhere to the mantra of establishing a rule of law in which everyone is equal before it and enjoys the same rights and obligations under it.

About Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc.
http://www.amsterdamgroup.net

Founded in 2006, Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc., a multifaceted communications consultancy, was founded to strike a balance between contemporary internet branding and cutting-edge, next-generation social media engagement on the one hand and the established practice of media relations and traditional thought leadership promotion. Incorporated in Toronto, Canada, Amsterdam Group has a broad history of activity in Europe, North America, Eurasia, Latin America, Asia and Africa.

About Belgrave International Ltd.
http://www.belgravestrategic.com

Belgrave is a communications consultancy and international network most commonly relied upon in conflict situations, mitigating reputational damage and enhancing opportunities for resolution. The firm’s principals have been engaged to undertake litigation support, policy advocacy, perception monitoring and election campaigning. Based in London, Belgrave maintains an international network active in Eastern & Central Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Further information:
US: Sam Amsterdam, Washington, +1-202-910-8349, or sam@amsterdamgeoup.net
UK: Fred Harrison, London - +44-20-3397-2825, or fharrison@belgravestrategic.com

Contact Information

Sam Amsterdam

President

Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc.

sam@amsterdamgroup.net