On February 25th, the Congolese community in Albany convened at the NYS Capitol to raise awareness regarding the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Led by Diane Mbombo-Tite, they addressed the exploitation of resources and its impact on civilians. The community is set to hold an International Women’s Day event to highlight gender-based violence in the DRC.
On February 25th, advocates and activists congregated at the New York State Capitol, a frequent occurrence during legislative sessions, where a new group emerged. The Congolese community residing in Albany brought their signs and voices, aiming to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Diane Mbombo-Tite, the President of the Congolese Association of Albany and a former asylum seeker highlighted by CBS6, orchestrated the group’s inaugural advocacy day. She cited the M23 rebel group as the main faction seizing territories, attributing the conflict to the struggle over natural resources. “These rebel groups are destabilizing regions to illegally access resources like cobalt and coltan, essential for electronics such as smartphones and laptops. We must seek ethical ways to access these minerals without causing immense suffering and loss of life,” she expressed.
Mbombo-Tite and her fellow advocates highlighted their ongoing family ties in the DRC and emphasized the urgency to amplify their voices. They represent those forcibly displaced from their homeland, illustrating the immigrant narrative of assimilation and advocacy in the United States. “If peace and economic development prevailed in their home countries, many would not seek asylum here,” stated Jean-Pierre Munsi, an American citizen originally from the Congo, underscoring the desperation caused by instability.
Furthering their advocacy, the Congolese Association of Albany is hosting an event on International Women’s Day, March 8th, at the Blake Annex. This event aims to shed light on the plight of women in the DRC, where gender-based violence is rampant. “Women’s bodies are turned into a battlefield; it is unsafe to be a woman in the DRC. The world must engage and be informed,” Mbombo-Tite asserted. They have invited officials, including Democratic Congressman Paul Tonko, to participate in this important event.
The Congolese community in Albany is actively raising awareness of the serious issues stemming from the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly regarding the exploitation of natural resources and the impact on civilians. Their advocacy reflects the broader immigrant experience, emphasizing the necessity for peace and ethical resource management. The upcoming International Women’s Day event further highlights the pressing societal issues faced by women in the DRC, underscoring the need for global attention and action.
Original Source: cbs6albany.com
