On February 25th, the Congolese community in Albany convened at the New York State Capitol to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Led by Diane Mbombo-Tite of the Congolese Association, advocates highlighted the role of rebel groups in the region and the impact on civilians. They are organizing an International Women’s Day event to address gender-based violence faced by women in the DRC.
On February 25th, advocates gathered at the New York State Capitol, including a notable presence from the Congolese community in Albany, who aimed to highlight the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This group, comprising concerned individuals, raised their voices and displayed signs to draw attention to the issues plaguing their homeland.
Diane Mbombo-Tite, an asylum seeker previously profiled by CBS6, now serves as the President of the Congolese Association of Albany. She played a key role in organizing the group’s advocacy day at the Capitol, emphasizing the critical role of rebel groups like M23 in undermining stability. “The source of the conflict is natural resources… 20 million people have died as a result,” she stated, underscoring the catastrophic impact on civilians who are suffering from trauma and fear.
Mbombo-Tite and her fellow advocates expressed personal connections to the DRC, as they still have family members residing there. They emphasized the urgency of their advocacy efforts, showcasing their personal experiences as immigrants who seek a better life while aiming to assist their families back home. Jean-Pierre Munsi, an American citizen originally from the Congo, shared perspectives on the plight of immigrants and the unfortunate circumstances that drive them to seek refuge in the United States.
The Congolese Association of Albany has organized an event in recognition of International Women’s Day scheduled for March 8th, to shed light on the dire conditions faced by women in the DRC, which include rampant gender-based violence. Mbombo-Tite mentioned, “Womens body are turned into a battlefield… being silenced is no longer deliverable,” calling for global awareness and engagement on this critical issue. Officials have been invited to participate in this crucial event.
The gathering of the Congolese community in Albany at the New York State Capitol serves as a poignant reminder of the complex issues stemming from the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With advocates like Diane Mbombo-Tite leading the charge, the community is determined to raise awareness about the dire humanitarian situation, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women. Through their initiatives, such as the upcoming International Women’s Day event, they aim to foster dialogue and promote ethical practices concerning natural resources.
Original Source: cbs6albany.com
