Thursday, February 25, 2010
Photographer Captures Pictures of Love and Laughter in War Zone
Photo: Courtesy OXFAM
Photographer John Rankin in Congo
The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the most brutal conflict zones in the world. But well known celebrity photographer John Rankin has captured a different side of the war-torn country with a collection of heartwarming photographs that show the spirit of the Congolese people. They are now on display in London.
Jennifer Glasse, VOA
London display of pictures from war-town region of Congo"Cheka Kidogo" means 'laugh a little' in Swahili, a simple phrase but hard to come by amid the war and brutality of eastern Congo. But, love and laughter are the theme for a photo exhibition on Congo at the National Theater in London.
Over 30 black-and-white and color prints are on display, they show families in their homes, a smiling little boy sewing a torn football, a man showing off his new black hat. Others are simple portraits of people in everyday life.
Related video report by Jennifer Glasse
Rankin traveled to eastern Congo to find simple human expressions of love and optimism amid the hardships of war. "All the kind of photographs I was seeing coming out of conflict zones were almost kind of treating the people within them as they were victims and I just had this really funny idea that in those situations that people were just going to be people and they will be very very positive and very human and very accessible. And what we need to do is make them accessible," he said.
And, so off he went with the international humanitarian group, Oxfam, for two visits to Congo: in 2008 and late last year.
Rankin and his team traveled to refugee camps in Sange, Goma and surrounding villages with disposable cameras and film. And local Congolese people actually took many of the photographs, says Rankin. "My idea was kind of to allow the people of the village to have authorship and ownership over the way that they were perceived back in the West. And, the photographs ended up becoming a kind of fun family album of the people we met there and they are very similar to the photographs you would take of your family," he said.
Zafarani and Nbyde are two of the many subjects of the photographs. Zafarani stands with her arms around Nbyde's neck as they smile for the camera. Their story is printed beneath the picture where she recalls how Nbyde courted her to marry him.
According to the U.N. mission to Congo, more than five million people have been killed, and two million displaced in eastern Congo since 1999. Rankin says the conflict has not gotten the media attention it deserves.
Rankin, who is best known for his portraits of royalty and celebrities, says this experience left him humbled. "I was definitely, I felt very insignificant. And then I met the people, and meeting the people and the kids especially really threw me because they kind of defied even my expectations of positivity," he said.
And Londoners have been braving rain and winter temperatures to see the exhibit. Some say the photographs have come alive for them. "I like it very much. Immediately I felt it brought the photographs to life like nothing else would. We get so bombarded with images, and somehow it really made it real for me." "I thought it was really nice… it showed interviews with people and says about the way they live."
Rankin says for the Congolese people, the pictures, were more than just prints. "One of the guys came up and he said I love this photograph and I'm going to use it for my coffin when I die, this is the photograph I'm going to use to show who I was. And you know… it's the most amazing thing anyone has ever said to me about a photograph," he said.
Rankin says one of his personal favorites is a photograph of a little boy looking up at the camera, smiling with a mischievous look in his eyes - just like little boys tend to do. That's just one of the collection called - From Congo, with Love.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Finally the new government Muzito
No more suspense. The President of the Republic is to overhaul the government and his cabinet. First observation: maintaining Adolphe Muzito as Prime Minister. Second observation: the reduction of ministerial posts. 54 members, the Executive is now composed of 43 ministers and deputy ministers. Government austerity. Third observation: mission under the banner of social and preparation of elections. Great challenges lie ahead.
Congo-DRC: Finally the new government Muzito
Besides the Government, the Head of State has also reshuffled his cabinet by appointing a new Chief of Staff and a Special Advisor on Security. - Willingness to give new impetus to government action.
The wait seemed long. Whereas since June 2009, the government reshuffle comes late to intervene. After the order made public last Friday evening, the President of the Republic proceeded to reshuffle the government. A reading of the composition of this team, we see that the President of the Republic has renewed its confidence in Prime Minister who has been reappointed. But also François Joseph Mobutu Nzanga as Prime Minister, Minister for Employment, Labor and Welfare. Continuing to prove that the coalition-AMP-PALU UDEMO is doing well and there was more fear than harm. Quit to take into account all relevant comments to continue to govern together.
However, we see significant outflows were recorded. These are precisely the former deputy prime ministers and Bongeli Mutombo Bakafwa Nsenda. But also that of Matenda, former Finance Minister Lokoka, Minister of Budget. The former finance minister was replaced by Matata Ponyo, former Director General of BCECO working closely with the IMF and World Bank. As for Pierre Lumbi former Minister for Infrastructure, Public Works and Reconstruction, he was called to other duties as Special Adviser to the Head of State Security.
Government austerity
Another feature to note, the size of government. 54 members, the Executive now has 43 members. This reduction in the size of Government by the amalgamation of certain portfolios and county has a goal to make more compact the government team for more efficiency, lower the standard of living of the State to achieve the completion point and stabilization of macro-economic framework. This is a government austerity and that all departments will do the same to reduce the number of advisers overcrowded ..
Its tasks are to consolidate the achievements of the Government in this mission for peace, restoration and the affirmation of the authority of el 'state and the opening diplomatic to continue the program of national reconstruction and the achievement of 5 yards of the Republic by the acceleration of economic growth, improve social populations thanks to measures to improve business climate, the application of the policy of "zero tolerance" and the benefits of achieving completion point and in stabilizing the macroeconomic framework, and finally to the organization of elections. These are major challenges.
In the same vein, the President of the Republic proceeded to reshuffle his cabinet. Pierre Lumbi Okongo was appointed Special Adviser on Security and G. Beya, new Chief of Staff.
Below the entire ordinance appointing members of the Government ..
Order No. 10 / of appointing vice-premiers, ministers and deputy ministers
The President of the Republic,
Given the Constitution, especially Articles 78, 79 and 90;
Revised Ordinance No. 08/067 of October 26, 2008 appointing the Vice-Prime Ministers, Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
On the proposal of the Prime Minister;
ORDERS:
Article 1:
Are named Deputy Prime Ministers, the following persons:
1. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Employment, Labor and Social Welfare: François Joseph Mobutu NZANGA Ngbangawe
2. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Security: Mr. Adolphe Lumanu Mulenda BWANA N'SEFU
3. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Posts, Telephones and Telecom-munications: Mr Simon BULUPIY GALATI
Article 2:
Ministers are appointed to office next to their names, the following persons:
1. Foreign Minister: Mr. Alexis Thambwe Mwamba
2. Minister of International Cooperation and Regional: Raymond TSHIBANDA N'TUNGAMULONGO
3. Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs: Mr. Charles Mwando SIMBA
4. Minister of Justice and Human Rights: Mr Luzolo BAMBI Lessa
5. Minister of Decentralization and Planning: Mr Antipas Mbusa Nyamwisi
6. Minister for Relations with Parliament: Mr Richard MUYEJ MANGENZ
7. Minister of Communication and Media: Mr. Lambert MENDE Omalanga
8. Minister of Finance: Mr. MATATA PONYO MAPON
9. Budget Minister: Jean-Baptiste NTAHWA KUDERWA BATUMIKE
10. Minister of Planning: Mr. Olivier KAMITATU ETSU
11. Minister Portfolio: Jeannine MABUNDA Lioko
12. Minister of National Economy: Jean-Marie Bulambo KILOSHO
13. Minister for Infrastructure, Public Works and Reconstruction: Mr. Fridolin KASWESHI MUSOKE
14. Minister of Energy: Mr. Gilbert Tshiongo Tshibinkubula WA TUMBA
15. Minister for Mines: Mr. Martin Kabwelulu Labilo
16. Minister of Hydrocarbons: Mr. Celestine MBUYU Kabango
17. Minister of Environment, Nature Conservation and Tourism: Mr Jose Endundo Bononge
18. Minister of Transport and Communication Channels: Ms. Marie-Laure Kawanda KAYEN
19. Minister of Public Health: Mr. Victor Makwenge Kaput
20. Minister of Higher Education and University: Mr. Leonard Mashako MAMBA
21. Minister of Primary, Secondary and Vocational Education: Mr. Maker Mwangu Famba
22. Minister of Agriculture: Mr. Norbert Basengezi KATINTIMA
23. Minister of Rural Development: Mr. Philippe UNDJI Yangyi
24. Minister of Industry: Mr. Anicet KUZUNDA MUTANGIJI
25. Minister of Commerce, Small and Medium Enterprises: Bernard Biondo SANGO
26. Minister of Gender, Women and Children: Marie-Ange Lukiana Mufwankolo
27. Minister of Land Affairs: Mr. Kisimba Ngoy SHIFT
28. Minister of Urbanization and Habitat: Mr. Cesar Lubamba Ngimbi
29. Minister of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity: Mr Ferdinand KAMBERE Kalumba
30. Minister of Public Service: Mr. Dieudonné Upir SUNGUMA KAGIMBI
31Ministre Scientific Research: Jean-Pierre BOKOLE Ompok
32. Minister of Culture and Arts: Mrs. Jeannette KAVIRA MAPERA
33. Minister of Youth and Sports: Monsieur Claude BAZIBUHE Nyamugabo
Article 3:
Are appointed Vice-Ministers to functions next to their names, the following persons:
1. Vice-Minister of Interior Mr. George Zuka MON'DO UGONDA-LEMBA
2. Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs: Mr. Ignace GATA Mavita WA LUFUTA
3. Vice-Minister of Finance: Mr Joash MBITSO NGEDZA
4. Vice Minister of Budget: Mr. André SHIKAYI Luboyera Bankin
5. Vice-Minister of Commerce: Ms. Xaverine Karomba MITIMITUJE
6. Vice-Minister of Public Works: Mr. Gervais NTINUMENYERWA KIMONYO
7. Vice-Minister of Education Professional: Mr Arthur SEDEA NGAMO ZABUSU
Article 4:
Are repealed all previous provisions contrary to this Ordinance.
Article 5:
The Prime Minister is responsible for the enforcement of this Ordinance comes into force on the date of signature.
Done at Kinshasa,
Joseph Kabila Kabange
President
Adolphe Muzito
Prime Minister
Zambia: Katumbi canes cheap politicking
President Banda with DRC Katanga Governor Moses Katumbi at the Umutomboko ceremony in Mwansabombwe.
DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo (DRC) Katanga Province Governor Moses Katumbi has described as cheap politicking allegations that he travelled to Mwansabombwe in Luapula Province to drum up support for President Banda.
Mr Katumbi told journalists in Ndola yesterday that he was a foreign national who cannot influence internal political matters of Zambia.
“To say that I went to Luapula Province to give support to the President (Banda) is cheap politics,” Mr Katumbi said.
He said DRC and Zambia share the longest border which stretches from Chililabombwe on the Copperbelt Province to Mununga in Luapula Province and his visits to Zambia are on mutual relations.
“So every time I come to Zambia, it is because of the mutual understanding between the two governments. I cannot have any influence over politics in Zambia because I am Congolese just like no Zambian can influence anything in the Congo,” Mr Katumbi said.
On his impromptu visit to Zambia, Mr Katumbi said he was in the country on the continued development understanding which exists between the two countries, especially the Copperbelt and Katanga provinces, respectively.
He said the bilateral relationship between Zambia and DRC will continue to benefit the people in the two countries through projects such as the tarring of the Pedicle Road which links the Copperbelt and Luapula provinces through the enclave of the DR Congo.
“We want to improve the Kasumbalesa border post,” he said.
Mr Katumbi, who was accompanied by Copperbelt Province permanent secretary Villie Lombanya and officers from the DRC consular office in Ndola, also held a meeting with officials from Gecamines at Bangala House before returning to Katanga Province.
Gecamines is a DR Congo-owned mine in Katanga province.
Earlier, Mr Lombanya said Zambia and DRC have for a long time enjoyed the bilateral and cordial relationship which exists between the two countries.
[Zambia Daily mail]
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Why Did Congress Drop the Ball regarding Elections
By Scott A Morgan
Within the past week several events occurred that may determine the course of Free and Fair Elections in Africa. First of all the Often Delayed Elections that are supposed to occur in Ivory Coast were delayed again. Secondly the Elections that were scheduled to occur on the last day of this month were postponed for a week in Togo and finally the critical campaign for the Sudanese Elections Began.
The fact that these events occurred within a week shows how large of an error Congress made in Postponing the Hearings that were scheduled by the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health. It is known that weather played a key role in the hearings not being held but the error is that at this time a make-up date has not been announced. The Events in the previous paragraph are just the tip of the iceberg indicating this serious lapse in judgement.
Congress currently funds two different groups that assist in building functioning Governments that promote Democratic Practices. They are the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute. As their names show both major US Political Parties back these institutions that promote such projects as Organizing Political Parties and empowering women so that they can get the right to vote.
Beginning in Early March now with the Togolese Elections until the End of June when the Democratic Republic of the Congo hold Elections there will be Elections Scheduled also in Ethiopia as well. We have noticed that in Rwanda which is an ally of the United States that action has been taken by the Government to curtail the efforts of two Political Parties the Democratic Greens and the Union of Democratic Forces from even Organizing to field Candidates for their upcoming elections.
The Election Cycles that are going to have the most impact are the ones in Sudan and in Ethiopia. It is becoming clear that no matter what the outcome is in Sudan that there is a chance that the North-South Conflict could reignite. It should be a given that there will be voting “irregularities” taking place in this election cycle. Next Year there will be a referendum regarding if the South can secede from the Country.
The Reactions regarding the Ethiopian Elections are the most interesting. Although little has been said about the current cycle by Washington however in the Diaspora this has created some excitement. Currently twenty million people have registered to vote and there is a Team from the European Union currently in the country to determine if it is feasible to send a team to monitor the upcoming elections. The Main Priority for the US is to have Free and Fair Elections in Ethiopia.
There is one other area of concern now. It appears that the Unity Government in Zimbabwe is having difficulties now. If there is no resolution then a snap election can be called for. The Congress saw fit to appropriate funding to watch the elections in Uganda. Sadly it appears that other more crucial elections may be left to the wayside. Way to Go Congress!!!
The Author Publishes Confused Eagle on the Internet and comments on US Policy towards Africa. Confused Eagle can be found at confusedeagle.livejournal.com
US senator calls for solution to DR Congo problem
GOMA, DR Congo (AFP) – An influential US senator said the international community should be instrumental in solving the problem of Rwandan Hutu rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Speaking in the eastern town of Goma, Richard Durbin, number two in the Senate's Democrat majority, told AFP: "The question of FDLR (the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) should be resolved both by the Congolese government, Rwandan government and the international community."
The Illinois senator, who is close to President Barack Obama, suggested that Rwanda should publish the names of FDLR fighters accused of violating human rights.
"Opportunity should be given to people who were not involved in horrific crimes to go back to Rwanda. There are some who have already been back to Rwanda. They live quite well, because they were not involved in horrific crimes," Durbin said.
The number of Hutu rebels is put at less than 5,000 in the east of the former Zaire where they moved after the 1994 genocide in Rwanda which mainly targeted the Tutsi minority in that country. Some of them took an active part in the genocide.
The FDLR rebels are also accused of having committed atrocities against the civilian population in the east of the DRC in recent years.
Durbin, who arrived Monday in Goma, capital of the Nord-Kivu province bordering on Rwanda, visited a camp for displaced persons near the town.
He also went to a private hospital in Goma catering for victims of sexual violence and had talks with officials of the United Nations Mission in the DRC (MONUC).
The Congolese army backed by MONUC was expected shortly to undertake a new operation against the FDLR following previous operations last year that observers said worsened the situation in the region where hundreds of civilians were killed and hundreds of thousands were displaced..
Durbin, accompanied by Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, was scheduled to leave Goma on Tuesday.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Mr. Shimba Umba celebrates his 112 birthday
Created in 1910, the city of Lubumbashi is preparing to commemorate its centenary. Among the inhabitants of this city, there's one that he was born. Mr David SHIMBA UMBA totals 112 years old this year. This former official of the Union Miniere du Haut Katanga was born September 18, 1898 in the territory of Nagorno Lomami Elisabethville became under colonial and modern city of Lubumbashi.
Today, Dean still remembers his arrival in Katanga, a century ago. "At that time we had as directors Ngoi Amato and Kasongo also Benedict, who were also agents of the mining union. We all lived in town, we were not as common today. I had not done great research, but we were taken to the mining union, the current Gecamines by whites for copper processing, "says he.
Tired, old man enjoys the affection of his many children and young son until the last day. It has 74 small son, 233 great grand son and 12 great-great-grand-son. "It's in our interests to be at his side every moment. His wisdom we will also live long, "says Bijou Kamwanya, one of his girls.
As for the secret that makes his life, Mr. David SHIMBA speaks of compliance with the 10 commandments of the bible. The weight of age did not stop to read without glasses, write and walk alone.
As once said the Malian writer Amadou Hampate Ba: "In Africa, when an old man dies, a library burns. "Meet the library alive and 112 years old living has been very beneficial for me. Damage, however it is not operated more than that.
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