GRITtv breaks the silence

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Kambale Musavuli of Friends of the Congo stopped by the GRITtv studio to remind us of the situation in Congo and our responsibilities there.

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"The democratic Republic of the Congo is literally and figuratively the heart of Africa. The country of 65 million people straddles the equator and is bordered by 9 other countries. It is the size of Western Europe and the fulcrum on which the entire African continent swings. Barack Obama proclaims, ?If Africa is to achieve its promise resolving the problem in the Congo will be critical.? Congo is arguably the richest country on the planet in terms of natural resources. It is the storehouse of strategic and precious minerals that are vital to the functioning of modern society., especially coltan (mineral that is central to the functioning of our cell phones, laptops and other technology and electronic devices). Due to the lust for Congo?s wealth by powerful nations, corporations and individuals, the Congolese people have faced distinct challenges at least since its modern founding in 1885. A central challenge is the scramble for Congo?s wealth by external actors with the help of local elites has occurred at the expense of the Congolese people whereby an estimated 10 to 15 million people died from 1885 ? 1908 and from 1996 to present an estimated six million Congolese have lost their lives in a resource war In spite of the remarkable obstacles faced by the Congolese people, those challenges can be overcome, especially in light of the potential that exists in the Congo. Congo has the agricultural potential to feed the entire world through 2050 when the world?s population is expected to be 9 billion. Congo also has the hydro capacity to provide electricity to the entire African continent with some left over to export to Southern Europe and the Middle East. Congo is a part of the second largest rainforest in the world and is vital to the fight against climate change and global warming. Ordinary people throughout the globe can play a critical role in bringing about change in the Congo. We all benefit from Congo?s wealth and have a responsibility to make sure we are not benefiting at the expense of the people. We all must get involved by demanding that our leaders make Congo a priority, hold our corporations accountable and support Congolese institutions fighting for peace, justice and human dignity. Join the global movement by visiting us at congoweek.org. Kambale Musavuli is student coordinator for Friends of the Congo. "

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Nonprofits & Activism

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