Grand Rapids African Diaspora Meets in Historic Event; Calls on Community to Stand Against Western Complacency in DRC Violence

Editor’s note: This post was written by Kellan Martin, who identifies as a Communist journalist. 

On Saturday, March 23^rd, members of the Michigan Congolese Refugee Community put on a historic event concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the likes of which have not occurred in Grand Rapids for at least thirty years. The event centered around the question, which was also the event’s namesake, “What is Happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Why”? Kawiye Jumale took the role of emcee and guided in-person and virtual attendees through the informative and at times incredibly difficult conversations about issues affecting people on the ground in the DRC. 

Mass displacement of families, direct targeting of women with sexual violence as a tactic of war, and wanton destruction of lives were all described as abysmal effects of an international power struggle waged on African soil. Proxy militias aided by Rwanda and Western governments such as the United States were said to be fighting for control over areas in the Kivu region of the DRC that are flush with minerals containing copper and cobalt.

Cobalt can be obtained as a by-product of large scale copper mining. Both elements are used everywhere in the world to produce high-tech products like phones and computers. The U.S. in particular has a great demand for these materials as it reportedly contains one third of the $5 trillion global IT market. The panel pointed out that due to this mad dash for minerals in the Congo, there are negative effects on the spirituality of the country, and there is no help provided for even this aspect.

West Michigan religious leaders and institutions were criticized for not doing enough to try and stop the violence. Israel Siku and Pastor Banza both stated religious entities were choosing not to express their opposition to the violence in the Congo and call for peace. “Churches will go to Ukraine but not to Congo,” said Pastor Banza. He also pointed out racial disparity in U.S. immigration practices. It is commonly known among refugees in America that Ukrainians have a much easier time going through the immigration system and becoming naturalized citizens, while it is notoriously difficult for refugees from the DRC to even be allowed in.

Questions from the audience were taken by panel members near the end of the event. When one attendee asked “What will it take for the US to help the Congo,” responses from the panel centered on the fact that the U.S. benefits from this destabilization. “The world is delighted we are suffering because it [divides Africa and] helps [foreign investment] interests,” said Didas Mbongya, who also provided interpretation services for the event. 

The discussion concluded with commitments by the panel to have more events of a similar nature and to improve outreach among the community. The panel feels it is necessary for people’s consciousness to be raised towards the issues in the DRC and all of Africa, and to promote of Pan-African unity so people can see the issues in Africa affect all Africans.