Feingold on the D.R. Congo
Big props to Senator Russ Feingold (D, Wisconsin) for speaking up on the Senate floor about his recent experiences in the D.R. Congo. An excerpt:
The Great Lakes region is at a critical moment in its history and we run the risk of contributing to events that could have far-reaching and long-term repercussions if we do not engage responsibly. With its vast resources, the DRC could be an anchor of stability in an area that has been plagued by violence and destructive activity for decades. The changing nature of global threats could render sub-Saharan Africa — and the Great Lakes region in particular– ripe for exploitation by any number of rogue actors. We can stop this before it begins if we work to ensure stability for the long term.
Mr. President, our National Security Strategy states “we will work with others for an African continent that lives in liberty, peace, and growing prosperity…we must help strengthen Africa’s fragile states and help build indigenous capability to secure porous borders…” I know the United States has many priorities that compete for attention and resources, but if done right, and as part of a comprehensive long-term strategy, a little can go a long way towards achieving these lofty goals in Africa. The United States should increase engagement in and expand assistance to the eastern DRC.
The senator stayed at our house in Goma while he was travelling there, though I missed him by a few days. Representative Jim McDermott (D, Washington) came through the following week. It was great to see Lyn and Jo Lusi (the founders of HEAL Africa) bring policy makers up to speed. They can pack a huge amount of insight into someone’s head over dinner, while making it seem like casual conversation.
Related Posts:
- Interview with Lyn Lusi (February, 2008)
- Hutus vs Tutsis: an Op-Ed (November, 2007)
- Gay candidates penetrate state legislatures (May, 2006)
- When the FBI Knocks (November, 2005)
- Honoring Rosa Parks: An Immigrant’s Perspective (November, 2005)
October 31st, 2007 at 9:45 am
Feingold rox! I love that guy. He’d be a great Obama VP or attorney general. Like Barack, he’s a little too honest for national politics. But if we’re supposing that Obama wins, then we might as well push our possibilities. My dad loves Feingold too.
One disagreement with the senator: “With its vast resources, the DRC could be an anchor of stability in an area.” He should familiarize himself with the resource curse.
November 1st, 2007 at 12:22 am
hi eric!
thanks for leaving a comment on my blog! thought i would return the gesture.
it looks like you’re back in the states? it’s a shame, ’cause it would have been fun to meet up here in rwanda/drc. it’s always nice to meet a kindred spirit among the african wilderness here.
if you find yourself back here (doing very interesting work, from what i gather on your blog!), look me up.
cheers,
hannah