In recent days there have been some interesting movements regarding US Policy towards the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the surface they appears to be good decisions but when there is some digging new questions begin to arise.
Take for instance the investigation into the deaths of the Indian Peacekeepers. The Administration did call for an investigation into this matter. The Kabila Government has undertaken such an endeavor. Recent reports now indicate that two people have been taken into custody for the incident. In the past this and previous Administrations have been strangely mute over allegations of atrocities committed by the Blue Helmets. Why?
Even Better Question: Within the last 48 Hours the International Mercy Corps announced that it was sending a response team to a remote village where a " Four Day
Onslaught of Mass Sexual Violence" occurred. When Secretary of State Clinton went to the DRC last year a team from AFRICOM went to the country to determine how funds and aid could be distributed to the clinics that assist the victims of Sexual Assault. It would be nice to have the Administration call for an Investigation into this assault and why this problem continues unabated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo!!
Another thing of concern is why isn't Public Law 109-456 has not been implemented by this Administration. This Law which was authored by the President while He was still a member of the US Senate seems to be selectively enforced by the US. At this time two actors that have been causing trouble in the DRC (Rwanda and Uganda) have not seen any punitive action levied against them by Washington. It appears that at this time we should not hold our breaths either unless the pitchforks come out.
Speaking again of AFRICOM: It appears that there will be a coordination between the US Military command and the Congolese Military regarding the effort to defeat the LRA. The Government of the Central African Republic announced that very fact earlier this week. But here is an interesting question: Is the effort by the US Military to bring in Joseph Kony Legal? that is a good question to ponder. Key Concept if Kony is to be arrested then Posse Comaitus is the hinge point in this.
Finally to those who are growing tired of the voices of Lisa Shannon and Kambale at Friends of the Congo and Africa Action regarding this. If you are growing tired of hearing about this then the easy way to stop hearing about this is to have action taken to address what they are complaining about. Lip Service is not acceptable either.
Here is Scott's letter to Kaya Adams of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID):
Dear Ms Adams,
My Name is Scott Morgan. I am the Editor of Confused Eagle. This is a blog that I maintain that covers US Policy Issues towards Africa. I am also on the Board of Directors of OKONGO. This is an NGO that is being organized to assist people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
You may have heard by now of the horrible Gang Rapes that took place earlier this month in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Earlier today the UN Security Council Held a Meeting regarding this actions which have been condemned by the United States. But several contacts of mine have told me something that I find appalling.
Last Year when Secretary of State Clinton visited the Congo She Promised $ 47 Million in Aid for the Victims of Sexual Abuse. 14 Months later I have heard that $ 30 Million of it which were previously earmarked have been distributed. The final $ 17 is reportedly tied up due to Red Tape in the United States. Can this be verified as fact? If true than this is a serious policy blunder.
There has been too much suffering that has occurred in Central Africa since 1994. It would be a callous act to discover that an unknown person for whatever reason has delayed these funds so that women in this region can receive the proper Medical Care that the deserve to begin the road to recovery.
I thank you for your attention in this matter.
Scott A Morgan
Editor Confused Eagle
confusedeagle.livejournal.com
Let's discuss....
Documents on the mapping report
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