“Wake up. Congo is already at war.”—The EastAfrican, 9 October 2007.
“Nkunda vows to wage full-scale war.”—Rwanda New Times, 9 October 2007.
“DRC: Thousands of youth risk forced recruitment into militia.”—IRIN Africa Report, 8 October 2007.
“DRC: Violence cuts off 150,000 people from aid.”—IRIN Africa Report, 8 October 2007.
“Rape Epidemic Raises Trauma of Congo at War.”—New York Times, 7 October 2007.
Such is the news in this part of Africa this week. It is similar to the news last week, and the week before.
Sadly, the attention of the world is elsewhere.
Fortunately, the attention of ARC Rwanda is here, attending to the needs of people fleeing the violence in Congo and arriving in Nyabiheke Camp by way of two transit centers. In the past month we have received 1462 new arrivals and there are more on the horizon.
What can you do to help?
Stay informed. Click on some of the links under “Resources” to read these and other articles about the situation.
Send money. Go to the ARC website (arcrelief.org) and make a contribution to the ARC Rwanda program.
Take action. The ENOUGH project (see link) suggests that you call your member of Congress at 1-202-224-3121 (9:00am - 6:00pm EST, Monday through Friday), and urge them to bring peace to eastern Congo by pressing for high level diplomacy, in coordination with our allies, to resolve the crisis in eastern Congo, supporting the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), increasing humanitarian assistance and providing more funding and technical assistance for disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of combatants.
Don't look back on the humanitarian crisis in the DRC in 2007 as so many do on the Rwanda genocide of 1994 and say, "Where was I? Why didn't I know?"
Because now, you do.
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1 comment:
Louise
I've just logged onto your blog for the first time. This is really powerful and important work that you are doing.
I know that you must feel sometimes like one grain of sand in the Sahara, versus the dunes of misery that you are witnessing. I am glad that you are also able to see the beauty and joy in people and nature. This will keep you going.
It is a great gift that you share your experience with those of us here at home. Thank you for this.
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