International NGOs - Do They Really Want to Balkanize Congo?

What seems to be an undeclared war againstthis does not justify the unjust war against
international NGOs in the Congo is in constantInternational NGOs. We recall that during the ADFL
evolution. In this situation, the questions to knowwar, there were rumors that some UN officials have
why this war against those NGOs that have savedensured the entry of weapons in Congo. In addition,
many people in eastern part of the country createthere have been several cases of MONUC officials
even more unanswered questions. It is true thatconvicted of rapping people they were supposed to
sometimes there is smoke without fire, but theprotect. There are also many officials from the UN
growing misunderstanding between the Congoleseand other international agencies involved in the cruel
government and international NGOs should be givenand illegal exploitation of DRC natural resources. For
special attention for many reasons.example, is not one Indian MONUC officer who has
First and foremost, this tension between theflouted his role in the Congo and had turned openly
Congolese government, through its spokespersonservant of the criminal general, rebel leader, Laurent
and Minister of Press, Mr. Lambert Mende OmalangaNkundabatware?
and Minister of Justice, Luzolo Lessa Bambi, withGiven some of these unfortunate events, it is quite
international NGOs, in this case, Human Rights Watch,normal for the Congolese people to seek
International Federation of Leagues of Human Rights,accountability of NGOs working to help them.
Global Witness, is not a surprise. This is because theHowever, accusations minister Mende alleged against
Congolese government has adopted attitudes thatInternational NGOs to be "agents of the balkanization
continue to give the impression to the world that hasof the DRC" remain unfounded despite the emotional
no political will to end impunity. On the other hand,sensitivity led by a sense of patriotism, which
what these organizations are in Congo is not new,sometimes tends to override our senses. It is clear
but their regular activities of human rights.that the minister and his government have not yet
Secondly, there is an increase of unsubstantiatedpresented evidence to justify or support their
allegations that international NGOs are vehicles thatcharges against these international NGOs.
seek to destabilize peace and security in Congo. TheIn short, it is important to remember that the political
Minister of Press and Government Spokesman, Mr.culture of the Congolese government to protect the
Lambert Mende through its many news conferencealleged war criminals and criminals against humanity, is
and his famous book "Terre Fertile" raises chargesthe main cause of conflict and resurrection of armed
against human rights defenders, accusing them ofgroups in Congo and is the single most dangerous
involvement in a campaign which is the balkanizationand serving most the balkanization proponent more
of the Congo.than the famous international NGOs reports. This
For many Congolese who support the defense ofgovernment policy has gratified the Congolese rebel
the territorial integrity of their country and wouldgroups who took up arms and committing heinous
have dismissed outright any idea of balkanization, thiscrimes against the Congolese people, as is the case
idea has really caught their attention. It is still equallyof Bosco Ntaganda, elevating them to Generals and
important to recall or warn each other that thishigher officers in the FARDC. This elevation is a
malignant campaign to dismantle their country hasprofitable attraction that pushes the other
many national and international agents. It is their dutyadventurers in this field to copy the approaches
to be vigilant against this malignant machine sinceadopted by their colleagues, who have now become
they do not who is involved or not.the model to follow. For example, new conflicts arise
Although the recent congolese history demonstratesin Dongo (South Ubangi), continual armed conflicts in
repeatedly that some so-called " Peace keeping,"Haut-Uele" in the Eastern Province and the ever
"Humanitarian" or "Human rights" agents have utterlyending conflicts overlooked in the North and South
failed to fulfill their missions and have engaged in theirKivu, which have become endemic.
dirty business of re-victimizing the Congolese people,