Help Africa Help Itself

Why medically help the Congo?

2009-12-21T19:36:00.000-08:00

250 000 politically Gang Raped Women and more still coming, more than 30 % of rural housing in North Kivu province burned by politically motivated arson, civilians assisting to frequent homicides of their loved one that have amounted to more than 6 million Congolese precious lives killed, all has created an intense state of unprecedented social and psychological, individual and community traumatism. PSTSD is now at the top of the list of the Congolese morbidity.

For centuries, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been a tropical dwelling for any parasitic and infectious diseases, upper respiratory child infection, per maternal challenges or death as seen in every underdeveloped country. All those medical challenges were being dealt with in the Congolese way, under pure shortage of medical supplies, medications, qualified health professionals, well equipped educational facilities and trained faculty. In a word, it was already a defiant environment for the Congolese government that has given up on civilian responsibilities since the Mobutu’s government and all the international multinationals have imposed austerity on the abandoned and neglected Congolese people. The contact of Congolese populations with the colonial power and the discovery on its soil of tremendously huge quantities of geological riches has led to pure impoverishment of the Nation instead of improvement of infrastructure and the quality of life for reasons the national and international politics know. Therefore, the poor sectors of all the governmental programs have been education and public Health. Those two areas of substantial importance to a nation have been abandoned to some informal type of survival state.

The overwhelming prevalence of PTSD cases related to the war crimes, specifically Gang Rape and arson, has not been managed appropriately due the lack of an integrated training system. 95% of PTSD patients are left without any psychological assistance. Children have witnessed Gang Raped of their parents or sisters, or murder of their parents. Communities of many individuals are constantly under the trauma of experiencing nightmares, of permanent fear of attacks from armed militias. The demand for social workers, psychological counseling and medical continuous follow up is on the rise.

Ipsaci Corp. view this situation as political strategies to annihilate the energy of a dynamic rural and farming population. It is a calling to each expert in Psychiatry to join its mission to start a training program for the trainers of counselors and social workers to bring the healing to communities. Ipsaci 2011 mission will recruit volunteers to start the training of more than 250 social workers. This will be the start of providing the needed health follow up to traumatized individuals who are in need of recovery in order to carry on the ongoing rebuilding of their country, the democratic republic of Congo. Small businesses trainers and workshops will also be carried out to bring the work of Gang Raped women to higher level of productivity.
2011 mission will be conducted in the town of Butembo, in Eastern Congo, in collaboration with the Catholic University of Graben. Attendees to workshop will be recruited among public health professionals, Physicians and Nurses.

In that way, volunteers are needed in the different fields of expertise: Psychiatry, education curriculum set up, social worker, students, researchers, Grant writing, film and video taping technicians. In 2010, Ipsaci will need public events organizers during fundraising events ( dinners, bazaars, walks and bicycle riding). Area of expertise will be Rape counseling and small businesses training.
To join the mission, send a request to ipsaci12@ipsaci-vuyingo.org and define the area of interest and past international experience.. Also, donation can be made on paypal account: ipsaci12@ipsaci-vuyingo.org . By buying our book “the Hurdles Of a Young Doctor” on www.thehurdlesofdoctor.com you contribute partly to our mission.

Book Release September 2009

2009-09-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

E L O Q U E N T B O O K S

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE HURDLES OF A YOUNG DOCTOR IN WAR-TORN COUNTRY THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Too Young to be a Doctor, Too Young to Face Rebellion in His Home Province. Just Too Young.

Considered too young for his job by a rural population used to seeing old white-bearded physicians, Pierre makes his way all the while dodging rebellion.

From 1964 to 2004, the Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced more than four rebellions. Pierre is born right after the first one and is raised by a financially secure family that ends up in poverty after many years of mismanagement of his country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, by the President Mobutu’s government. Yet, Pierre’s parents encourage him to continue his education.

Returning home from the Kisangani Medical School, the 47-day trip back to his home province Kivu is heartbreaking. The truck that carries him back takes on a slow pace because the highway is muddy due to a long rainy season, and the government has stopped the maintenance of national roads because of the public treasury bankruptcy.

Becoming the first physician in Northern Idjwi Island, he faces the threat of armed militia, invaders from Rwanda-Uganda and the governmental army, all whom bring hurdles to his medical profession and his life. This is Pierre’s journey and the story of many Congolese physicians, working to help people and save lives in an insecure environment in their country.

After leaving his home country for safety, Pierre resides in Malden, Massachusetts where he is pursuing his Master’s degree.

Publisher’s Web site: http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/TheHurdlesOfAYoungDoctorInAWarTornCountry.html
ISBN: 978-1-60860-263-6

About the Author:
The Hurdles of a Young Doctor in War-Torn Country is the true-story of author Pierre Syvialeghana’s life as the first physician and the rebellion he faces along the way.

For media inquiries, appearances, or other publicity — please contact:
Ellen Green — PressManager@aegpublishinggroup.com

Strategic Book Group
845 Third Avenue, 6th floor-6016 – New York, NY 10022
http://www.Strategicbookpublishing.com - http://www.EloquentBooks.com - http://www.StrategicBookMarketing.com
http://www.Strategicbookgroup.com
1-888-808-6190 - Corporate Office
###

Les embuches au developpement du Congo

2009-09-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

Les grandes embuches pour le développement du Congo

En Republique Democratique du Congo, le pays est en Troie à ses problèmes. Ces problèmes peuvent être commun au continent Africain ou au tiers monde, mais la DRC les a avec sa coloration culturelle, sociale et politique. Cette coloration est l’une due à l’héritage coloniale, historique et économique. Et une particularité, les tribus congolaises ont une tolérance mutuelle d’un niveau relativement supérieure à celle rencontrée dans d’autres pays. Ces problèmes se définissent clairement et peuvent ainsi avoir des solutions claires même si elles ne sont pas facile a appliquée. Il s’agit de :
-La convoitise de l’industrie internationale des minerais
-Le manque d’une armée républicaine
-corruption et Népotisme qui prime la compétence des cadres
-Pauvreté et taux de chômage élevé
-La qualité médiocre de l’enseignement (un enseignement non centré vers la résolution de nos problèmes)
-Le manque du patriotisme et du respect de la loi

1. Convoitise de l’industrie internationale

Le défi le plus géant et monstrueux est depuis au moins 250 ans celui de la convoitise du monde entier que la géologie, la végétation et la faune du Congo crée. De la bouche des prédateurs et des beaucoup d’écrivains, il nous a été rappelé que la RDC était un scandale géologique qui attire l’industrie de la manufacture des bijoux, de l’électronique, de l’aviation, de l’électricité, de l’artillerie militaire et même de l’automobile. C’est la que le bas blesse. Tous pays qui a possession des matériels seraient plutôt en position de force. Mais hélas, cas n’est point pour la RDC. Une raison simple est que l’industrie de la manufacture a invente des ruses pour contourner le droit des congolais a la propriété et a un revenue raisonnable, c'est-à-dire il fallait d’abord utiliser des brigands a la solde du roi Léopold II. Brigands ils l’ont été car ils amputaient des membres des récalcitrants indigènes. De Deux, il fallait imposer une colonisation, un système d’esclavage au bout du fusil et limiter l’enseignement procuré aux indigènes. De Trois, il fallait âpres l’indépendance recourir a d’autres brigands, cette fois-ci indigènes, mais qui étaient assez soumis pour fidèlement servir la cause de l’industrie expatriée de la manufacture, ainsi en est le cas d’Arap Moi au Kenya, des belligérants de l’Angola, du dictateur de renommée international du Congo et d’autres—Sassou Ngueso, Idi Amin, Goukouni Wede, Charles Taylor. Ces fils des pays avaient un profil de véritable professionnel terroriste, car ils n’hésitaient pas de tuer les patriotes, et ils ont bien servi la cause des métropoles Européens et Américains. C’était alors l’époque du Néocolonialisme qui définit encore les visées stratégiques et politiques du monde occidental aujourd’hui, ca n’a pas change du tout, pas bientôt. Ce dernier veut la prédation, un marché moins cher des matières premières et rien d’autres. Les vendeurs de matières premières que nous sommes, nous congolais, nous retrouvons avec un marteau sur la tète si nous n’obtempérons pas. Ainsi, le dirigeant qui veut se maintenir longtemps au pouvoir doit servir le monde occidental et non les populations autochtones. C’est notre cas au Congo. Le dirigeant doit payer les dettes de la FMI, de la Banque Mondiale ---tous des instruments d’appauvrissement des pays du tiers monde. Et malheureux à nous congolais, car le pire est qu’on utilise des étrangers Rwandais pour servir d’intermédiaire à l’industrie ignoble de la manufacture. Voilà le problème posé. Ou est la solution ? A mon humble avis, l’élan patriotique du Congolais doit être interpellé d’abord. C'est-à-dire que le Congolais doit apprendre à mourir pour la cause de son pays et éviter d’être corrompu par le monde occidental. Le Congolais doit dire Non à des contrats léonins ou le butin se partage entre peu de Congolais et l’industrie. Le Congolais doit s’abstenir de la peur d’être tue par le monde occidental. Le Congolais actuel doit continuer à élever la voix et dire que c’est le moment de développer le pays, car le monde occidental a déjà assez bénéficié de la presque gratuité de matière première. Pour obtenir cette indépendance, il faut que le Congolais lui-même investisse dans l’industrie de l’exploitation des mines et de la transformation des matières premières. A ce jour, le nombre d’exploitant congolais se compte au bout du doigt. Ceci veut dire que l’exploitant chinois ou occidental vient toujours avec son outil et son capital, et le congolais lui demande de leur payer des impôts. Cela semble être logique, mais pas pratique car en plus l’exploitant étranger a souvent une armée plus forte que la notre. Ainsi il devient facile a lui de dire a tous nos dirigeant de fermer leurs gueules et de prendre les miettes sous forme de corruption et de les servir a genou. Il est dommage qu’actuellement, tous nos candidats pensent à la même ancienne formule—c'est-à-dire s’associer un lobby des prédateurs et pillards occidentaux pour obtenir les fonds des campagnes. A la fin de compte, c’est la que commence le schéma de la corruption et de la faillite et en plus de l’hypothèque de la souveraineté Congolaise. Donc, le Congolais doit être ferme sans toutefois perdre le sens de diplomatie car le monde est en train de devenir un.

2. Le manque d’une armée républicaine

Et bien, pire encore est que nous n’inquiétons plus personne, même pas les Rwandais, même pas les Ougandais et moins encore les Angolais qui font des ballades de sante chez nous quand bon leur plait. C’est la plus grosse honte. Sans me moquer de nous même, le Congolais parle à haute voix, mais la réalité est qu’il n’est pas bon militaire. Preuve, l’armée congolaise n’a jamais gagnée des guerres. Point trait. Et la faute, c’est la déficience de notre sens patriotique. Lorsque, la nation décidera d’être patriotique et de comprendre que le sang coule pour la cause de la souverainiste nationale, là alors l’armée sera formée. Le Congolais veut devenir militaire, surtout les officiers, pour s’enrichir au dépens des civils. Il ne devient pas militaire pour défendre avec son sang les frontières du pays. Et même plus frustrant, il est courant de rencontrer des militaires originaires de certaines régions se sentir étrangers quand ils sont au Kivu. A partir de l’école primaire, le Congolais doit être formée à être patriote et bon patriote, et servir le pays et non un individu. C’est qui est le cas au Congo, des individualités sont soumises a la cause des individus et non de la patrie. C’est devenu pire avec le clivage Est Ouest. Il ya même haine car l’Ouest se sent perdant et ne patiente pas la fin d’un mandat pour se confirmer. Des adultes sont acquis non au développement mais plutôt a la promotion du clivage Est Ouest, et au manque de tolérance et d’union. L’armée doit être patriotique et républicaine.

3. Corruption et Népotisme

Est-ce une culture Congolaise d’être corrompu ? Il est cas de soulever cette question. Durant toute ma vie, il s’avère que beaucoup des chefs préfèrent recevoir des redevances de la base, au lieu de donner un bon service a la base. Les chefs coutumiers perçoivent des redevances d’une manière personnelles. La notion de la contribution de la base pour constituer un fond commun pour le trésor public semble étrange pour le congolais. La base contribue pour enrichir un individu c'est-à-dire le Chef. A cela de me demander s’il sera un jour facile de changer cette mentalité pour qu’enfin un chef sache servir et non être servi. Là encore revient la notion du patriotisme et de la gourmandise. Le corolaire de la corruption étant le népotisme, une question se pose alors : est-il facile de demander à un Congolais de ne pas considérer sa sœur ou son frère ou une belle femme a un poste ou il y a meilleure compétence en dehors du cercle fraternelle ? C’est la que nous devons nous rappeler que le pays se développe avec les compétences qualifiées pour les postes désignés et non pas par des clans sans compétence. Dommage est que même la configuration des parties politiques est à la limite plus tribale que patriotique. Les parties politiques avec une seule langue qui veulent diriger le Congo qui a plus de 300 tribus et dialectes. C’est la que le Congo a encore besoin d’un patriote et nationaliste prêt a mourir pour la cause, au lieu des activistes tribaux qui veulent assoir la domination de leurs tribus sur d’autres.

3. Pauvreté et Chômage

Ventre affame n’a point d’oreille, dit un adage populaire. Les affames et désespérés Congolais sont loin d’être appelé a la conscience car leur priorité est de manger d’abord, et de survivre. Le défi est de savoir comment compter sur quelqu’un qui n’a aucune assurance de fournir un repas a sa famille ou de payer son transport pour gérer un trésor publique sans risque de se servir d’abord d’une manière malhonnête. Les effets de la pauvreté, de la faim sur la bonne gouvernance sont négatifs. Je laisse aux experts de proposer comment un affamé peut être du jour au lendemain transformer a un gouvernant non corrompu. Les chances sont minimes. Encore une fois, le sens de sacrifice et de patriotisme pourra nous aider à la tache. Le chômage agit aussi dans le même sens. A mon avis, il ne vaut pas la peine de compter sur les générations actuelles au pays pour remonter le cours de l’histoire dans la direction de la renaissance d’un pays digne, le vrai Congo fort.

4. Enseignement défaillant

L’enseignement qui n’adresse pas la recherche et qui ne s’oriente pas vers le besoin spécifique du pays ne pourra pas du tout générer des cadres efficaces. Il est temps que le monde académique et les inventeurs congolais soit soutenus sans délai et d’une manière consistante. Nos problèmes sanitaires, scientifiques et politiques doivent trouver solution dans les tètes des universités congolaises et non néerlandaises ou américaines. La confiance doit être remise à nos laboratoires et nos chercheurs congolais. Les bibliothèques publiques doivent être promues et le sens à la lecture doit être enseigne.

5. Le patriotisme et le respect de la loi

La loi est une denrée rare sur le marché Congolais. La loi est encore impose par le nanti et le bourgeois au moins nanti. Il est temps que cela change, car le Congo pratique encore la loi de la jungle.

En conclusion, le temps de former une élite qui est acquise à la cause patriotique, nationaliste et indépendante est venu. J’estime que la diaspora congolaise peut prendre la relève en éduquant leurs enfants qui ne sont pas expose a la corruption et a la faim du Congo à se préparer à prendre la relève. Nos familles ici à l’étranger doivent former des patriotes qui vont aller partager le sens de sentiments républicains et d’aller promouvoir une société non corrompu. Les parents doivent au même moment encourager leurs enfants, filles et garçons à prendre des formations militaires dans des académies militaires huppées de l’occident en vue de préparer à aller prendre des postes des responsabilités futures au Congo. Le Congo a besoin des dirigeants indépendants vis-à-vis des lobbies internationaux. Le futur dirigeant congolais doit se sentir un servant fervent des ses frères et sœurs congolais et non des occidentaux. Les dirigeants congolais doit d’abord être un bon et fervents et honnête homme qui ne se reproche aucune dette, aucune méconduite. Il doit être aussi instruits et éduqués pour comprendre les enjeux complexes de l’économie. Le futur dirigeant congolais doit être humble, un homme qui parle à toutes les catégories sociales sans orgueil. Il doit être Patriote et nationaliste prêt à mourir pour la cause nationale et non incliné a l’enrichissement personnel et des occidentaux.
Humble point de vie

Pierre S

Fighting corruption a key to development

2009-08-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

Where does corruption start? When does it stop?
It is likely that if bribe is on the street of country, it means that the head of the state is also corrupt. It is so easy to get bribe if the boss takes it too. The president of a country takes a bribe from a lobby under the watch of his aide; at their turn the aide takes it from any person who is looking for any favor from the office of the president. The chain of bribes cycle goes on until it reaches the very bottom of the society. That is when a hungry traffic police on the main street of any town takes bribes at his turn, and an unpaid provincial clerk embezzles the fund to pay the salary of teachers, and an unpaid soldier extorts money from a business at gunpoint. And that point, the chaos is established, and the 90% of the population is left with an empty public treasury fund while the 10% wealthy corrupt and rich elite can afford all types of luxury. This is not a plea on behealth of the ridiculous system of failing african governments, but it is just a close approach to where to look for the causes of corruption in any country.
How to help this to stop? All African leaders have a close ally in western governments. That is where the help of the world should start. The western should send a strong message accross the body of politicians and set regulations that will strongly convict felon who advocate for African despots and corrupt leaders in the western world. Second, the people of those countries should stand strong and stop to bribe. The civil society should work to spread the message " Don't give in if they ask you to bribe". It is not easy, but we should make some sacrifices for our own future.

Pierre S.

Sec Hillary Clinton on Violence against the Women

2009-08-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

Women can be the rock on which a freer, safer and more prosperous Africa is built. They just need the opportunity.
–Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, August 9, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwPN-3bXt8w

Congo can count on Obama’s administration

The commitment that Her Excellency Sec. Hillary Clinton has taken to push for the resolution of the Congo crisis is encouraging for many Congolese people. It comes after a long silence and mishandling of the western policies on conflicts management in central Africa. For more than a decade, it has been as if some untouchable criminals, protected by some powerful lobbies or mafia, has managed to silence the media and world deciders to tackle the issue of speechless women, elders and children who are being raped by Rwandan militia ( backed by the Rwandan government), Rwandan rebels militia ( backed by Ghosts who are likely known), the United nations soldiers, and by a substantial portion of the Congo soldiers sent in the Eastern Congo.
In the near past, the Bush administration was busy handling the war on terror, and had seemed to ignore the Congo, although Congo has on its soil very dangerous materials ( Uranium and others) that could have fueled terrorists’ attempts to make weapons of mass destruction. Ironically, the very Woman of African descent, the sec Condoleezza Rice, did not show any moral committed attention to the disastrous apocalypse submitted to powerless African women in the Democratic Rep of Congo. Why? I can’t answer this because it is the past now, and I can only give credit to the Obama’s administration for the Humanitarian and moral initiative to speak out and show the spirit of determination to end the Armageddon that poor, speechless, powerless, and unarmed civilians are living in Eastern Congo, in this 21st century. That is how the world has compensated for the genocide in Rwanda by equipping the Rwandan government with the substantial, unequal weaponry, artillery, and military training to supposedly track down genocide militia hiding in Eastern Congo. The happy extremist government of Rwanda has taken advantage of it, of course, and has imposed its reckless domination policy in the central Africa region by sending, on multiple occasions well instructed Gang raping militia and looting squadrons, to supply the thirsty western electronic industry --the booming of laptop, cell phone, missiles launchers and aircrafts that are manufactured with the Coltan mineral from Congo.
That said, one person above all, and a very strong one, the US sec Hillary Clinton has stood up now, and said “ Halt to Gang rape in Eastern Congo”, “Stop to the cycle of mass killing in Congo”, “ Stop to corruption”. Corruption, yes, it is the case for the government of Congo and for the UN forces that have failed to protect the voiceless civilians. Documented complicity and corruption of the useless UN forces in Eastern Congo have dominated the media.
The move of the US secretary in Africa is to be praised, and I mostly trust her sense of leadership. As a result, I encourage her to press the Belgian and French governments who have had an engaged and suspicious role on the destabilization of the central African nations for decade. Belgian don’t want to release their grip on former colonies, they are still imposing their views on the constitutions of those countries, they still give orders and impose policies, and their corporate are at the frontline of looting the Congo. That is where the battle and fire will rise. I bet that those corporate, who now have been used to cheap and juicy mafia like deals with militia, who supplies them the Congo resources, will not step back without a fight. Those corporate networks don’t care at all whether there is Gang Rape in Congo or not. They don’t care. All they care about is business—profitable business. How will the US secretary of state tackle those predators? “I don’t know”, is my answer. All I know is that she has stated that the past will not be her focus, even though she recognizes the role of western nations in dirty politics of Africa, and she had asserted that she will work and stand for those who will work to eliminate corruption in the future. “Don’t take corruption from western corporate, and don’t corrupt” seems to be the powerful message of Sec. Hillary Clinton. Good luck and prosperous future to all Africans.

Pierre S

Tourism in Butembo

2009-08-09T17:04:00.000-07:00

It is a town located in the Eastern Democratic Rep of Congo , and it is called Butembo--a town worth visiting. Why? First, the accomodation is modern, with its booming hotel industry, all with modern amenities, I mean internet, rentals and guide to visit tourist sites. Yes, tourism is an attractive asset that each visitor will enjoy in Butembo. Why? The Gorilla Mountain of Kyabirimu is just 25 miles away, the Ruwenzori mountain is just 60 miles away, and virunga park just another 70 miles. A plus, the african food , there, is great, tasty and you will get a chance to learn the culture of the Nande people.What matters the most is hospitality, there you will get the smile, and the staff is bilingual most often, I mean they speak French and English on top of speaking local languages. And security is guaranteed. Plan a visit in Butembo. For more about visiting Butembo call 781 322 2394.

Pierre S.

Sec Clinton visit to the Congo in Aug 2009

2009-08-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

Friends of Congo

http://www.france24.com/en/20090810-clinton-shifts-focus-human-rights-africa
The Democratic republic of Congo salutes the upcoming visit of a US high ranking official, the Secretary of State Hillary Clincton in Kinshasa, during her trip to Africa from Aug 5, 2009. She will visit the women abused by the war in Eastern Congo, in the town of Goma. While the Congolese are pleased by the progress that the US government has made in recognizing the bitterness and suffering of Congolese women in Eastern Congo, we think that not much progress has been done to stop the ruses of Rwanda government to support and maintain destabilizing forces in the Congo, and the stuborness of the sponsors of Genocide rwandan Hutu militia who both congregate in Congo to rape women ( elders and children), to enroll children in the army and mostly to loot the Congo of its strategic resources ( Coltan ). As you might have read in a decade long press news, Congo has the Coltan that help built missile launchers, state of art electronic equipments and aircrafts. All the western world and developped countries are highly interested in those materials, and have been dealing with negative forces, killers and criminals of war to get those strategic resources from the Eastern Congo. Therefore, we understand now that the friends of Congo should lend a supporting hand to stop the sorrow, grinding teeth and persecution that innocent civilians women and children are undergoing in Eastern Congo. Each day, villages are being intentionally burnt by militia to force rural communities in Refugee camps. Today, I will ask to all american citizens who love the world to send individual notes (petition) to the department of state in Washington DC and request the Secretary Hillary Clincton to:

-Stop sponsoring the irresponsible government of Rwanda that has been the major player in most military crimes committed in the Congo. The Rwanda government does not have the moral committment to respect civilians in Congo. The Press have reported that American military instructors were seen along the Rwandan forces while they were operating in Congo. It is time to rethink the american political and military strategies in central Africa. Congo has paid the mishandling of the Rwanda peace by the world. It is time for that to stop.

-to understand that Rwanda is not willing to walk away from Congo because they need space for their dense population, and are willing to forciby resettle a portion of their population in the Congo. Force must be used to push out Rwanda from the Congo, and one of the solutions is to stop the military support to its forces from the western World.

-To understand that the Rwandan tribal mindset is secular, and the government of Rwanda wants to apply it in the Congo by fighting the tribes in eastern Congo, especially the Nande living in Butembo. It is using all strategies to push away Congolese settlements and towns by burning their houses, live stocks and farms.

- To push the Rwandan government to send the Congolese Rebel Laurent Nkundabatware to justice in Congo. He is still held by the Rwandan Government after committing desastrous mass killing in the Congo.

In conclusion, I am a witness of the great heart of Americans and know that americans don't want to spend their tax money on despots and dictators in Africa like the Rwandan actual President. Please join me in sending letters to the state department before the departure of Secretary Clinton to Africa on August 5th,2009.

To contact the state department:

Telephone: 202-647-4000
email: http://contact-us.state.gov/cgi-bin/state.cfg/php/enduser/email_adp.php?p_faqid=251&p_sid=I6s1VhEj&p_redirect=

Mail:U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520

Again , mail in your petition before Aug 5th 2009.
THANKS

Pierre S.

How does corruption operate in Africa?

2009-07-31T09:08:00.000-07:00

Corruption has been again and again a characterisation of the African Continent, although corruption is spread in many forms in each country of the world. While I agree with most of Mr. Dike, Victor's statement in his article http://www.africaeconomicanalysis.org/articles/gen/corruptiondikehtm.html ), my main concern is about corruption that occurs between Big western Corporates and most of African Leaders. In her book Dead Aid , Dr. Moyo Ndambisa, deeply mentions the flow of aid to notorious tyrants and despots in the world who have proven to not convey aid to the very purpose of development it is supposed to serve. But some despots have gotten cash from world financial institutions and corporate businesses for decade. Until today, they are still getting the necessary financial support to give them the power to damage their respective country's economy. The question is why sustain a government that does not serve its citizens growth? Because it is easy to make money through dealing with dictators than stable regimes in Africa. I might be wrong but, my guess is if corrupting dictators like Kagame, Mobutu, Dos Santos did not yield good business results for the corporate, then no financial aid could be sent to them. And that is where the start of a vicious cycle of corruption is. Should I ask those who read me to support the idea that westerners should stop corrupting dictators? I am 99% sure that the day that will happen, Africa will rise.

Pierre S.

Tribalism in the countries of Africa

2009-07-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

During his speech in Ghana in July 2009, Pres. Obama mentioned tribalism as one of the challenges that degrades the African nations general performance. Africa ,with more than 2000 tribes and different cultural customs ,often falls into the trap of division and warfare. That situation is a real hassle and burden ,as seen even among the members of the african diaspora community here in the Western world. Churches, association, no for profit always follow the demarcations of tribes . Some Africans, eventhough seemingly well educated, with PhDs, Doctorates, BSN and others academic credentials, are still great believers of the tribal discrimination structure in Africa. It is real and it is awfully ridiculous for Africans to fail the test of a United Continent that should come strong if people decide to avoid tribalism. The question also remain in the air, how do we clear the minds of Africans of TRIBALISM thinking? .......

Pierre S.

About the Dem. Rep of Congo ( D R C), your ideas...

2009-07-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

How do we approach corruption in a country that have institutionalized corruption? How do we encourage that goverment to stop corruption?

During my trip to Africa, I saw many port revenue and police officers taking bribe or pushing me to bribe them. Asking why they were acting that way, the answer was simply " we are hungry and the government is not paying our salary". One is tempted to become compensionate and give a bribe in a humanitarian way in those situation. I mean to assist those officials to put food on their table. Of course, the general outcome is the disfunction of public funds that suffer serious loss. Who can help us address this situation in a country like the DRC where the end of corruption is not anywhere in the near future. How do we fight corruption in the DRC?

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/02/portraits_from_the_congo.html

Pierre S.

About the Dem. Rep of Congo ( D R C), your ideas...

2009-07-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

While the world is in deep recession, the DRC and other third world countries are in COMA; COMA has been the case for the DRC since 1980 due to the lack of the government leadership and innovation. Corruption has reached gangrenous level and congolese officials are all paralyzed by greed.

Loudly, I recognize that this is a burden for us and it is our responsability as Congolese to find solutions. But, good neighbors, and good friends around the world can extend their hands to help us dig ourselves out the mud. Congo needs Ideas to stop corruption, to diversify investment, and to wake up from the coma.

Your ideas will help the Humanitarian organizations and other volunteers to bring the DRC in good stands in the international community.

Pierre S.