Category Archives: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Solidarity with Comrades from the Democratic Republic of Congo

21 August 2014

Abahlali baseMjondolo Press Statement

 

Solidarity with Comrades from the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Abahlali baseMjondolo General meeting last weekend was attended by eight comrades from the DRC lead by Pastor Raphael. The General Meeting discussed various ways of working in solidarity with the Congolese comrades.

The comrades from the DRC who are here in South Africa made a shocking presentation on the history of the Congo from the year 1887 which led to the genocide that they are now facing. Devastating photos were shown and spoke volumes to the narrated story.

Questions and answers were held followed by a tense conversation about what needs to be done thereafter. All of us were deeply touched and felt helpless. Comrades asked about the role of South African government and its troops in DRC. We asked the role of the African Union and the South African Human Rights Commission and of course the role of civil society and the UN and the US. Some of the answers were that genocides continue in the presence of more than 4 000 South African deployed troops in the DRC. There were also claims that Khulubuse Zuma, who we all know is related to our President Jacob Zuma, has shares in some companies in the DRC. Noted was also the role of neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Ruanda. Also noted is that DRC remains colonized. It is clear that foreign companies and their government are working with governments of neighbouring countries to oppress the Congolese people in the most horrific way to steal the mineral resources of Congo. We must ask serious questions about the role of the governments of Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, South Africa and the US in the DRC. Continue reading