Advocacy for Peace: Congolese Community Highlights DRC Conflict at NYS Capitol

On February 25th, the Congolese community in Albany rallied at the NYS Capitol to raise awareness about the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They highlighted the impact of armed groups and resource exploitation on civilians. The Congolese Association of Albany is also preparing for an International Women’s Day event to address gender-based violence in the DRC.

On February 25th, advocates and activists gathered at the New York State Capitol, a common scene during the legislative session, to spotlight the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). A newly formed group of Congolese residents from Albany participated, holding signs and voicing their concerns regarding the destabilizing situation in their homeland.

Diane Mbombo-Tite, an asylum seeker previously profiled by CBS6 and now President of the Congolese Association of Albany, organized this inaugural advocacy day. She expressed grave concerns about the armed groups, specifically the M23, which are seizing cities in the DRC. “The source of the conflict is natural resources…those rebellion groups are doing all that is in their power to make that region unstable so that they can access those illegally,” she stated.

Mbombo-Tite elaborated on the significance of resources like cobalt and coltan, essential for the production of electronic devices. She questioned the morality of accessing these minerals, emphasizing the human cost, stating, “Is there not another way to access those minerals rather than killing more than 20 million people?” She highlighted the plight of civilians, many of whom are fleeing their homes due to violence and instability.

Citing personal connections, Mbombo-Tite and her compatriots commented on the urgency to raise awareness, as many still have family in the conflict area. Jean-Pierre Munsi, an American citizen originally from the Congo, articulated the struggles faced by immigrants, asserting that individuals flee their homelands due to dire circumstances. He noted, “If there were peace, economic development…they weren’t going to be coming like that.”

The Congolese Association of Albany has planned an International Women’s Day event on March 8th at the Blake Annex to further address issues like gender-based violence in the DRC. Mbombo-Tite stated, “We wanted also to raise awareness about women’s condition in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Women’s bodies are turned into a battlefield. It’s not safe to be a woman in the DRC.”

Officials, including Democratic Congressman Paul Tonko, have been invited to attend this significant event.

The Congolese community in Albany passionately advocates for awareness regarding the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Through events such as their upcoming International Women’s Day event, they aim to spotlight the dire conditions arising from resource exploitation and gender-based violence. The voices of individuals like Diane Mbombo-Tite and Jean-Pierre Munsi highlight the importance of addressing these humanitarian crises while emphasizing the role of immigrants in advocating for their homeland.

Original Source: cbs6albany.com