Donna’s Response to the LER #1 Question #1

Right after our class last week I had to go on line and find out more information regarding The Crisis in the Congo and the Heal Africa clinic. I visited many of the websites and watched many of the You Tube videos which were listed on the handout Marc gave us. I was overwhelmed with many emotions because of what I was learning. I was appalled to think that so much of this is happening so I can have my various electronic devises. I realized once again how very ignorant I am. I had not even heard of the mineral Coltan nor did I know it was used in so many products. The very same products I seem to take for granted. People are dying, thousands of women are getting raped and physically abused and numerous children and people have to work in abhorrent conditions all because the world thinks the Congo’s resources are on sale!

“Here comes the court” from the Globe and Mail describes some of Congo’s history. It is a country which is rich in resources and although this should provide its people with peace of mind and freedoms it has done just the opposite. First its rubber was plundered and now its coltan. The Globe and Mail article “Congolese rebel leader arrested in Rwanda” shows us that even Rwanda has invaded twice and was accused of plundering Congo’s mineral riches. This article indicates the Congolese people are hoping the arrest of Mr. Nkunda’s brings peace but many people doubt this will be the outcome. How can arresting one man bring peace? The problem has many facets and is much more global than we are first lead to believe. If there continues to be a demand for any of the particular resources which Congo has then there will be people who will be sure to get those recourses to the market. And they will get those recourses to the market in the fastest and cheapest way. I ask why is this happening? We can first look to their government. “Here comes the court” indicates there is no functioning state in Congo. So whose responsibility is it for social justice in this country? Where are their neighbors and what are they doing? Better yet, what are we doing and what am I doing to help bring peace to this nation?

I appreciated the articles from the Globe and Mail more after seeing the video in class and after viewing a number of other videos on this topic on You Tube and surfing through the listed websites. The articles became more real to me and I feel I can better understand the importance of these two arrests to the people of Congo. Seeing the video “The Women of the Congo” empowered me to learn more so I can take actions to help make positive changes for the Congolese people. Ultimately I know these changes will positively affect all humanity.