On February 25, the Congolese community in Albany held an advocacy day at the NYS Capitol to bring attention to the conflict in the DRC, organized by Diane Mbombo-Tite, President of the Congolese Association. Advocates discussed the impact of rebel groups and resource extraction on civilians. They also announced an upcoming event for International Women’s Day to address gender-based violence in the DRC, inviting government officials to participate.
On February 25, advocates gathered at the New York State Capitol, including a significant presence from the Congolese community in Albany, to raise awareness of the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This marks the first advocacy day organized by the Congolese Association of Albany, led by Diane Mbombo-Tite, a former asylum seeker and now the President of the association.
Diane Mbombo-Tite emphasized the critical nature of the conflict, highlighting the involvement of rebel groups, particularly M23, which are attempting to control cities, driven primarily by a desire to access natural resources, including cobalt and coltan. “We’re talking about resources such as cobalt, coltan. Those are resources that are coming into the formation of most of our electronic devices,” she stated, urging the need for ethical sourcing to prevent further civilian casualties.
The advocacy event served as a powerful reminder of the experiences of immigrants. Mbombo-Tite and others expressed concern for their families still in the DRC, stressing that their struggle to assimilate in the U.S. enables them to advocate for those affected by violence at home. Jean-Pierre Munsi, an American citizen who grew up in the Congo, reinforced this perspective stating, “If there were peace, economic development… they weren’t going to be coming like that. They’re coming here because over there, there is a mess.”
Furthermore, the Congolese Association plans to commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8 by addressing the severe issues of gender-based violence in the DRC, with Mbombo-Tite asserting, “Women’s bodies are turned into a battlefield. It’s not safe to be a woman in DR Congo,” underscoring the necessity for global awareness and engagement. Attendees, including Democratic Congressman Paul Tonko, have been invited to the event to further the cause.
The Congolese community’s advocacy efforts in Albany aim to highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis in the DRC, driven by conflict over valuable natural resources. By shedding light on the plight of civilians and addressing gender-based violence, they seek to promote ethical resource management and foster global awareness. The emphasis on immigrant advocacy reflects their commitment to supporting their homeland, while calling for peaceful solutions and economic development in their country of origin.
Original Source: cbs6albany.com
