News About Congo

Congo's Independence Day, June 30th

Democratic Republic of the Congo's Independence Day
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
June 29, 2011
________________________________
On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as you celebrate the fifty-first anniversary of your independence this June 30.

Our two countries have a long history of partnership on many issues of mutual importance. Today, we are working to build on this history of cooperation to strengthen this relationship even more. The United States stands behind the Congolese Government and people as you work to improve security, respect the rule of law, and ensure the protection of human rights. We are looking forward to successful presidential and legislative elections in November to demonstrate Congolese commitment to the principles of a free and transparent democratic system. And we encourage all Congolese citizens to participate in the voting process so that your voices may be heard.

On this special day, I wish the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo a safe and happy celebration. The United States is committed to a brighter future for all Congolese citizens – men and women – so that they may have the opportunity to realize their potential.

PRN: 2011/1084

UN Security Council Extends the Mandate of the UN Mission in Congo

The Security Council decided this morning to extend until 30 June 2012 the mandate of the Mission of the United Nations for the stabilization of peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

 

Under resolution 1991 (2011) adopted unanimously by its 15 members, the Council reaffirms that the protection of civilians must be the priority when deciding the use of capacity and resources available. The Council also reaffirms the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has primary responsibility for security, peace building and development in the country.

Similarly, the primary responsibility to the Government of the DRC and its national partners to create conditions for the next election. The Security Council therefore urges the Government to create a climate conducive to the holding "in time" to free and fair elections, credible and transparent. In this context, he asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties and to the Congolese authorities to implement without delay codes of conduct and ensure that national and international observers to be accredited soon. The Council also decided that the MONUSCO will assist in organizing and holding elections as a technical and logistical support.

By resolution 1991, the Security Council also requires all armed groups, particularly the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), immediately cease to commit acts of violence and violations of human rights against the civilian population in the DRC, particularly in the person of women and children, including rape and other forms of sexual violence, and demobilize. 

 

via www.un.org

For all that the UN is not doing or that it is allowing to happen, a Congo without the UN is worst place.

South Africa wants more of Congo's energy supply

Regional security, trade and post-conflict reconstruction initiatives are on the agenda during President Jacob Zuma ’s first state visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

SA has in recent years allocated millions of rand towards stabilising the DRC and rehabilitating its economy after decades of civil war that ended in 2003.

Through the Department of International Relations managed African Renaissance Fund, SA two years ago gave the DRC R20m to train officials within the public service.

Other initiatives included the deployment of South African soldiers as part of a United Nations project to prevent the resurgence of conflict.

A regional integration analyst at the Pretoria based economic research institute, Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies, yesterday said Mr Zuma was most likely to also raise the issue of energy supply with his Congolese counterpart President Joseph Kabila.

"The DRC is a water abundant country that could supply the whole region with energy security and the president (Zuma) would be looking at reviving the failed energy deal by Eskom to operate the Inga Dam," Bongani Motsa said.

via www.businessday.co.za

It's a shame to see Congo selling electricity to South Africa when most Congolese living in darkest.

Also, despite millions of rand given to Congo by South Africa, Congo's economy failed to generate any exports to South Africa. South Africa sold 6 billion rand but only bought 103,000 rand worth of goods.

Does the Future US looks like the Present Congo?

Rarely, I have seen a political opinion that mentions the Congo.  Never, I have seen a political opinion that compares the future US to the present Congo.

Nick Kristof of the NY Times makes some great observations.  The rich or affluent population have a lot in common. 

Our Fantasy Nation? by Nick Kristof

In fairness to Pakistan and Congo, wealthy people in such countries manage to live surprisingly comfortably. Instead of financing education with taxes, these feudal elites send their children to elite private schools. Instead of financing a reliable police force, they hire bodyguards. Instead of supporting a modern health care system for their nation, they fly to hospitals in London.

You can tell the extreme cases by the hum of diesel generators at night. Instead of paying taxes for a reliable electrical grid, each wealthy family installs its own powerful generator to run the lights and air-conditioning. It’s noisy and stinks, but at least you don’t have to pay for the poor.

I’ve always made fun of these countries, but now I see echoes of that pattern of privatization of public services in America. Police budgets are being cut, but the wealthy take refuge in gated communities with private security guards. Their children are spared the impact of budget cuts at public schools and state universities because they attend private institutions.

Mass transit is underfinanced; after all, Mercedes-Benzes and private jets are much more practical, no? And maybe the most striking push for reversal of historical trends is the Republican plan to dismantle Medicare as a universal health care program for the elderly.

There’s even an echo of the electrical generator problem. More and more affluent homes in the suburbs are buying electrical generators to use when the power fails.

via www.nytimes.com