The Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo

My very last blog post of the semester. I have to admit, it is quite bittersweet for me as I have enjoyed the class tremendously. I have enjoyed the seminars, blogs, videos, and novels. Thank you Fitzgerald for yet again, facilitating and teaching such a wonderful class.

My last blog topic is about the human crisis seen in the Congo. The headline of this BBC article is titled "Human crisis in Congo 'worse than Syria'". Many of us know that Syria has been faced with mass destruction and loss of life, especially loss of life of children. Injured and deceased children have been circulating our social medias and the president of this country as issued a ban on Syrian refugees. Some of you may have also heard about the backlash of the German government leaders for allowing Syrian refugees into their country.

Well, in the Democratic Republic on Congo has been faced with the fleeing of its people, starvation of its people, death of its people, and corruption in its government and politics. Militias are fighting one another over territory and more likely than not, do not concern themselves with the health and safety of their people. Here is how severe the issue is, "Despite there being four million displaced people, as well as more than seven million struggling to feed themselves, international aid has been slow to materialise, Ms Blom said" (BBC). The Democratic Republic Congo is faced with lack of stability in government and the lack of democratic elections held. Violence is increasing and people are leaving because if they stay, they likely to starve to death or face disease from lack of aid, or be caught in the crossfire of battling militias. It isn't like the Democratic Republic of Congo is poor and lacking in resources, it is that resources are being withheld and not properly distributed. 

How many of us really knew that this was going on? I sure didn't. Before taking this class, I honestly thought of the Congo as one large entity with nothing but forest and jungle. Please read up on worldly issues, although I know how depressing it may be. 

Have a wonderful holiday break and I hope that next semester is full of successes for each and every one of you. Some of you, see you in American Ethnic History! :)

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42250230