Eye on Africa

Photo Mvemba Phezo Dizolele – Congolese Flag

In the spirit of transparency, which is needed in moving Congo to the next step in its long march to stability and security, a copy of the preliminary findings from MONUC’s special investigation into the Kinshasa events of March 2007, which led Jean-Pierre Bemba into exile, is attached below.

For the past few years, MONUC has played a criticical role in keeping a semblance of order in DRC. This is particularly true for eastern Congo, where only God knows what would have happened had it not been for a strong United Nations military presence.

Despite the many problems that plague peacekeeping operations in DRC — sexual abuses, gun smuggling, mineral trafficking – the blue helmets have done more than just deter the escalation of conflict. The UN has helped run and manage Congo through these tumultuous years.

***Photo Mvemba Phezo Dizolele – Panzi Hospital, Bukavu, Sud Kivu

If you have been to Bukavu, then you have probably heard of Panzi. If you have never been to Bukavu, all the same – you should know about Panzi. Located around 30 to 45 minutes from downtown Bukavu, this suburban is infamous around the world for one reason – the Panzi Hospital.

I heard of Panzi Hospital for the first time in 2004 while I served as a guide and interpreter to a civil society leader from Bukavu visiting in Washington, DC. Her stories were gruesome. She spoke of rape as a weapon of war. Rapes and more rapes. She brought the war to Washington, to the United States Congress, USAID, to the State Department.

Everywhere she went she spoke of the hundreds and thousands of women who have been raped – at gunpoint. Raped by militiamen. Raped by elements of the FARDC, the Congolese army. She cited statistics, the kind that makes one cry. She talked about Panzi Hospital — the place where some of these rape victims, the lucky ones, go for treatment.

***Photo Mvemba Phezo Dizolele – Panzi Hospital, Bukavu, Sud Kivu