My Trip to the Congo

No matter how often you hear stories and feel prepared for what you will see you are never ready for what is almost the fourth world. I recently returned from the Democratic Republic of the Congo after having been invited by Congolese and Katangan governments. I was thrilled to be the first member of my family to return there since my father's historic "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match in 1974 against George Foreman. My appearance coincided with the 35th Anniversary of the fight. It was thrilling both to be in the Congo and to be accompanied by Muhammed's first grandchild -- my son Jacob. The crowds were overwhelmingly warm and hospitable. The Congo loved my Dad. He helped put to put them on the map in a positive sense. Not as an oppressed colony but as the country able to produce a legendary event. But something was very wrong -- the peoples starvation.

The question of food in the world has long bothered me. It is extraordinary to me that we live in a world where a huge percentage of people are obese and heading for diabetes and heart disease because of eating too much of the wrong foods while large groups of other people do not know where their next meal is coming from or if it will arrive at all. Those in the Congo are among the people who suffer from chronic food insecurity.

It makes no sense. The Congo is the fourth wealthiest nation in the world in terms of natural resources. Thus the fact that there are children starving in hospitals that have no mattresses or sheets in a country that produces almost all of the raw materials that go into making our cell phones was especially appalling. I also saw children put out of their homes and declared "witches" because of food shortages. I can only imagine a higher being looking down on this planet and wondering how such a condition could occur.

The silver lining is that there are many fine agencies through which Americans can give assistance. The World Food Program and UNESCO are organizations that I saw provide great help in the Congo. We who have plenty should seek out an organization that can assist our neediest people. The concept of our fellow humans most basic needs not being met is disgraceful. The food we overconsume or throw away could feed entire villages and towns. We should all consider this not only during this holiday season but throughout the entire year.