Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bukavu (Agenzia Fides) - In the African continent radio is often used as a tool of war. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Radio Okapi goes against the tide by putting itself at the service of peace. Created by the United Nations and the Hirondelle Swiss Foundation about ten years ago, it talks about the realities of a society marked by war. A voice for those who have no voice, so they are heard and to express out aloud their complaints of abuse. Although the war is officially over, armed groups still roam freely in the east of the country. Every day there is an attack, raids on villages forcing inhabitants to flee their homes and seek refuge in the cities. Families of 15, 18 or 20 people live in crumbling small huts. Women are the most disadvantaged, sex slaves for the Rwandan military and raped by Congolese troops. The tragedy of the Congolese population is due to its natural resources. Behind it there are multinationals and powerful leaders around the world. Often, human rights organizations denounce the illicit trade of minerals at the expense of the local population. In 2002 the UN released a report in which it denounced the incursion into the country by its neighbors, with the complicity of 85 multinationals. The battle brought forward every day on behalf of radio journalists is constantly hampered by threats of death. Two journalists were murdered in Bukavu. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 08/05/2012)
