Halifax Media Co-op
News from Nova Scotia's Grassroots
Can you support independent journalists with $5? donate today!
Love and War in the Congo
Blog posts reflect the views of their authors.
Two local events bring a few snapshots of life in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the world's most horrific conflict zones, to Halifax this African Heritage Month. The central African country has been the scene of resource-driven wars which have killed more than 5.4 million people since the late 1990’s. The country also has possibly the highest prevalence of rape in the world, with rape regularly used as a tool of war.
Foreign mining companies, including several Canadian firms, have frequently been accused of profiting from the conflict, with the Canadian government’s response being that it will do its best to “ensure Canadian investment in the DRC is protected, while empowering those within the country as they work towards peace and sustainable economic development.” This summer, Canada sought to block an IMF and World Bank decision to relieve Congo of its $8-billion debt, accumulated over decades of corrupt autocratic rule, citing concerned over the copper mining rights of Vancouver-based First Quantum Minerals Ltd..
On February 14th from 7-9 pm, "From Congo with Love," an exhibit by British photographer Rankin, appears at the Hub (1673 Barrington St.). "The photos highlight the love & solidarity that exist even in a conflict zone," according to the event announcement. You can preview some of the photos here.
For an important historical perspective on the DRC, check out Lumumba, a 2004 documentary about Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first democratically elected leader, subsequently deemed “dangerous” by the United States and killed by Belgium with the help of the CIA. A screening marking the 50th anniversary of Lumumba’s murder will take place Thursday, February 24th in room 177 of the Loyola Academic Building at Saint Mary's University. The film is presented by the Halifax Peace Coalition and SMU-NSPIRG (Nova Scotia Public Interest Research Group).
295 words
Comments
From all the way across the country ...
Submitted by mzoghi on Mon, 02/14/2011 - 23:13.
... thank you writing something about the Congo. The heart of mother Africa deserves some recognition when it's bleeding to death.
here here
Submitted by Tami Starlight on Tue, 02/15/2011 - 20:29.
For sure, so important and pretty heavy stuff happening over in the Congo.
Thank you for posting and keep them coming.
Namaste
Tami Starlight - VMC Editorial Collective
The site for the Halifax local of The Media Co-op has been archived and will no longer be updated. Please visit the main Media Co-op website to learn more about the organization.