FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2010

Alysha Atma, Media Relations OkoNGO
media@okongo.org

He added, "OkoNGO, will not stand for the inaction by the world's powers to bring to justice, the perpetrators that caused such devastation. It is time to take action, and realize that each and every human deserves the right to protection against merciless acts. We must demand the same impartiality be provided to each child, woman and man impacted in the DR Congo just as those people would garner under the rights of major economic powers. Further, that we stand up for the victims whose lives were destroyed in an instant and hold those accountable that consumed so many lives."

A Dear Colleague letter has been circulating the political offices of D.C. for the last several weeks. Leading the initiative is Congressman Wu's office, "We must bring justice where justice is due, we are doing what we can and will continue to work as advocates to the best of our ability."

The letter will be delivered to Secretary Clinton with the signatures of 20 Congressional leaders in support of urgent policy changes and humanitarian assistance. An enormous ground swell of DR Congo Activists have spent these weeks calling and knocking on the doors of many, in hope of raising the level of awareness, and, increasing the political will and participation in this international crisis.

Dear Colleague

Please join me in sending the following letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging renewed action to end violence against women and children and resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.

Last month, the United Nations reported on the systematic rape of over 500 women by armed combatants in eastern Congo during the month of August. The report further details how the U.N. Mission in Congo learned of attacks around the village of Luvungi days after they took place and were unable to provide protection to the civilians in the region. These horrific acts must not be tolerated.

The nature of the increasing violence in Congo, in particular violence against women and children, demands a renewed response from the United States and the international community. While the United States continues to provide humanitarian and other assistance to support the country's transition to democracy and its healthcare and education infrastructure, there is more we can do to help stop the violence in eastern Congo.

I hope you will join me in asking Secretary Clinton's assistance in implementing this set of measures to protect civilians, disarm and reintegrate militias, stop the flow of conflict minerals and bring an end to the conflict in eastern Congo

With warm regards,

David Wu
Member of Congress

October XX, 2010

Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton
Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520


Dear Secretary Clinton,

We write to you to express our concerns over the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and to request renewed action from the State Department to prevent further violence against women and children.

We were shocked and dismayed to learn of the mass rapes and violence that took place in eastern Congo and in particular around the village of Luvungi during August 2010. Furthermore, we are disappointed by the recent report from the United Nations on September 9, 2010, that details how the U.N. mission in Congo learned of the attack on Luvungi days after it took place and was unable to provide protection for the civilians in the region.

We appreciate the work you have done to support the country's transition to democracy and to strengthen its healthcare and education systems. In addition to the humanitarian assistance that the United States currently provides, we support the Fiscal Year 2011 Economic Support Funds to support the government of Congo's stabilization and recovery program, as well as the International Military Education and Training program to train Congolese officers. However, the nature of the increasing violence in Congo, and in particular the violence against women and children, demands a renewed response from the United States and the international community. Toward this end, we respectfully request action on the following items.

First, the U.S. should coordinate with donor governments and the Congolese government to spearhead a comprehensive security sector reform (SSR) plan for the Congolese army, as part of a package to include training of multiple battalions; payment reform; barracks construction; and streamlining of large, unwieldy battalions. The time is ripe for such reform due to donors' improved SSR coordination mechanism and the Congolese government's welcoming of an increased U.S. role in SSR.

Second, the U.S. should help devise a targeted strategy to disarm the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FLDR). The FDLR is responsible for much of the most horrific violence in Congo, while providing an excuse for the existence and criminal behavior for nearly every other armed group in Eastern Congo. A focused effort is needed to target senior FDLR leadership, reintegrate mid-level FDLR officers, and arrest and sanction FDLR leaders and funding sources abroad.

Third, the U.S. should help create a multi-stakeholder certification process for conflict minerals, in partnership with the governments of Congo and Rwanda. Following the passage of legislation on conflict minerals as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform bill, a certification process with independent monitoring is the necessary next step to stop the flow of conflict minerals that continue to provide funds to the FDLR and other militias.

Last, we believe that the administration should appoint a Special Envoy to the Great Lakes to work directly with heads of state in the region on a regular basis to address the key security issues of the region.

We understand that it will take a sustained effort from the international community on multiple fronts to resolve this conflict and are committed to ensuring that the United States lives up to its role as the world's leader on human rights. As members of Congress, we look forward to working with you to implement these measures and bring hope to the innocent women and children of eastern Congo.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. We look forward to your response and renewed focus on this issue.

With warm regards,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 02, 2010

Alysha Atma, Media Relations OkoNGO
media@okongo.org
503-901-8103

Scott Morgan, OkoNGO Political Advisor
smorgan@okongo.org

OkoNGO is releasing to the United States government a policy review in the hope of opening the dialogue to move past continues instability and years of volatility into solutions for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Investment is needed, a change in focus from aid to opportunity, "see us as an opportunity to grow and stabilize the area, invest in us and we will repay you with stability, sustainability and an equal partner in the international world. Stop giving us aid that only slows our bleeding and see us as world partners that need investment in our farmers, land seed; help us to grow our own food not dropping it from the sky, shipping it in boxes or herding us into camps. Invest the aid in micro-finance where we can build our businesses, feed our families, send our child to school; we will repay our loans by rebuilding our country with less reliance on continues foreign money. Congolese are strong and tenacious we can and will rebuild if given opportunity to move past hand outs into stable governance and a stable economy that can only come from investment in programs that are working, educating our children and healing one another through self empowerment."
Wemba-koy Okonda, President of OkoNGO.

November 3, 2010

Dear Honorable Representatives:

We are reaching out to you in effort to bring stability to the Democratic Republic of Congo, this could mean stability to the entire region, bringing balance to almost a dozen surrounding countries. We ask the United States Government to review their policies and practices regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo, to invest in the people and empowerment solutions. Thirteen years of war and strife, over six million dead and over four million displaced, it is time to change our focus. This is a call for action, for the U.S. Government to start listening and begin to work for, and with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

We respectfully ask for policy makers to implement the following best practices within the Democratic Republic of the Congo in an effort to bring synchronicity back to the people so they may live with dignity, peace and justice.

1.) Enforce Public Law 109-456, there several key components to this law that have not yet been implemented. They include assigning a Special Envoy , currently there is a Presidential Advisor, this needs to be upgraded to a more Permanent Status.
http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/109_PL_109-456.html

2.) Working as an active partner with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to help impose stronger consequences against those who are found to participate in human rights violations and plundering of the natural resources.
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/AFRICARegion/Pages/ZRIndex.aspx

3.) We ask that the United States become a member to the International Criminal Court.
http://www.icc-cpi.int/Menus/ICC/Situations+and+Cases/Situations/Situation+ICC+0104/

4.) Security Sector Reform

The Armed Forces of the DR Congo are unorganized, lack leadership and the resources to protect and uphold the laws for their citizens. Government soldiers that do not receive pay are deflecting into the militias. Recent Press reports indicate the soldiers are now actively mining in the mineral rich Kivu Provinces. Discipline is a problem as well.

It appears senior leadership does not have effective control over rank and file. We do not believe having civilian oversight of the military will increase its effectiveness; this is a moot point if Generals cannot, or choose not to have control within their own troops. We believe this disorganization of the armed forces will also increase tribalism and lead to the formation of militias. This will create even more disarray when trying to bring DR Congo back into balance.

a.) AFRICOM training the NCO Corps will pay dividends in the long run and should be used and an effective model for continued military aid support. http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=5256&lang=0

b.) We strongly condemn the use of Child Soldiers by any and all elements operating within the Country. We are also disappointed by the Recent Decision by the Obama Administration to grant a Waiver to the Congo so that it receives US Military Aid despite being in violation of current US and International Law regarding the use of Child Soldiers. The Use of Child Soldiers under any circumstance is unacceptable. We ask for an immediate repeal of these waivers. http://okongo.org/press_releases.html

c.) Security Sector Reform will be seen as short-sighted if there lacks reorganization of the Congolese National Police. Preserving evidence and investigations, enforcing laws and civilian protection are all currently being taught, however an increase in aid will help enforce these current programs. Failure to adequately address these fundamentals is leading to crime victims taking matters into their own hands particularly in the Eastern part of the Congo. This increases the cycle of violence and leads to more unnecessary trauma for the people.

d.) An Independent Audit Panel is needed to properly reorganize and hold the military monetary budget accountable, ensure fair pay and quickly identify any and all corruption practices are immediately halted as well as due process is remitted. All efforts to stop the soldier deflection can be increased if the government soldiers - all of them are getting proper wages to feed themselves and their families.

5.) Humanitarian Aid

Aid must be allocated to programs and models that have shown a record of success, investment in the people and infrastructure that will garner the greatest benefits. Greater accountability of all aid programs needs to be a priority; aid programs cannot and will not be effective if they are not reaching the citizens. We must also work together with those programs on ground that continues to sustain both the people and resources.

a.) Food Security is a major Issue as well. A Recent Report indicated that over 1 Million People were suffering from hunger in the Congo. This is unacceptable under any circumstance. Feeding programs and drop aid are a short-term, unsustainable solution; they are easily manipulated by governments and those in power. We would like to see the USAid invest in small plots for the communities as well as increase aid in the form of seeds and real agriculture.
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/10/25/aid-weapon

b.) The grant by the State Department Bureau of Narcotics and International Law Enforcement, to help set up a Legal Framework in effort to try and bring to justice sexual violence cases is due to expire January 2011, we wish to see this important program extended. There should be greater emphasis placed on all programs dealing with sexual violence, recovery, prevention and justice.

c.) Investment in micro finance programs, particularly in areas of the east where employment, education and physical well being have been halted.
http://www.grameen-info.org/

d.) Education must take a front seat if we are to see leaders grow and build this country toward a peaceful future. Children are missing there education when they are subjected to war and poverty, this is unacceptable and must not be tolerated. The USAid must increase the availability to primary and secondary education, libraries and access to information for the Congolese people.

e.) Repatriation programs that focus on peaceful, open dialogue reintegration should also begin immediately, the focus on child soldiers, and returning children as well as refugees and displaced wishing to go home. Skills training in conjunction with the above programs are necessary to see an increase in sustainable infrastructure and working peace.
http://www.iom.int/jahia/Jahia/about-migration/lang/en

6.) Conflict Minerals Act:

Recently the GAO produced a report suggesting effective enforcements for the United States Government within the Congo Conflict Minerals Act; we would like to see these implemented with great speed.

a.) Provide congress and other international Stakeholders with help monitoring, regulating and accounting for the minerals traded in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

b.) Have the State Department and the Pentagon periodically update all data regarding the activities of the mines. In effort to halt the resource supply of militias, operations currently conducted by militia Groups including which routes are currently taxed and used must be made transparent.

c.) A bureaucratic process similar to the Kimberely Process which issues a code on each resource that is mined to prevent Rebel Groups from financial gain.
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2010/1025/Congo-mining-ban-s-success-is-limited?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+feeds/world+(Christian+Science+Monitor+|+World)

7.) Outside the Democratic Republic of Congo:

A comprehensive policy review completed on Uganda and Rwanda as well as United States pressure to hold these two governments accountable for crimes committed inside DR Congo. The United Nations mapping exercise have shown Rwanda's use of proxy Militias in the Eastern Congo and their devastating results. Rwandan troops have been seen in force within the mining areas of Walikale.

Currently Ugandan Special Forces are conducting operations in both the DR Congo and in the Central African Republic. Reports indicate Islamists from various areas are seeking retribution for Uganda's support in Mogadishu, the current instability inside the DR Congo leaves room for Islamist growth, which would further destabilize the region.

We also recommend continued monitoring of Burundi and the Central African Republic as well as maintain pressure on the leaders of Sudan, Southern Sudan and Chad. Some of the Problems from the Democratic Republic Congo and Sudan are migrating to other countries and regions and need to be addressed. The Lord's Resistance Army is currently conducting operations in the country. Its proximity to both Southeastern Chad and Darfur also make it an ideal location for Insurgents to set up bases and conduct Operations. Very few American Officials have undertaken the task to go to Bangui or other parts of the Country to do a firsthand assessment. If violence is allowed to fester it can and will spill over into the DR Congo; therefore, we must maintain a solid presence.

We thank you for your time and look forward to working with you to help shape a peaceful and sustainable future for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Sincerely,

Wemba-koy Okonda, President of OkoNGO
wembakoy@okongo.org
www.okongo.org
15423 10th Avenue Court East
Tacoma, WA 98445
U.S.A.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2010

Alysha Atma, Media Relations OkoNGO
media@okongo.org
503-901-8103

OkoNGO is responding with fierce criticism, "as a Congolese organization working with those seeking refuge in the US and those still struggling inside DR Congo we must ask President Obama to repeal immediately these waivers. How can we build a peaceful future and ask our children to lead our nation when all they know is war. These children loose education, their childhood and innocence when they are busy killing and pillaging for the military. This goes against everything we as refugees and Congolese American citizens have learned about American values and priorities. It is the responsibility of adults to keep their children safe, President Obama has taken that choice away from mothers and fathers. He is telling the world it is OKAY to use children as weapons of war, it is OKAY to kidnap, it is OKAY use them as curriers, porters, sex slaves. What do we tell the parents inside DR Congo that look to the US for leadership, what do we tell the children who have to hide in the bush and in corners because they are frightened? What do we tell the children that are being forced to take horrendous actions, that it OKAY you must wait another year before coming home, before you are safe?" Wemba-koy Okonda, President of OkoNGO.

In the memo below President Obama states "National Interest" as his reason. In whose national interest does this benefit?

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SUBJECT: Presidential Determination with Respect to Section 404(c) of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, pursuant to section 404(c) of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 (CSPA), title IV of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110 457), I hereby determine that it is in the national interest of the United States to waive the application to Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Yemen of the prohibition in section 404(a) of the CSPA. You are authorized and directed to submit this determination to the Congress, along with the accompanying memorandum of justification, and to publish it in the Federal Register.
BARACK OBAMA

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/10/25/presidential-memorandum-child-soldiers-prevention-act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2010

Alysha Atma, Media Relations OkoNGO
media@okongo.org
503-901-8103

Last week the newest release of numbers and circumstances were staggering; gang raping of nearly 200 women over a 21km stretch including 15 villages, over the course of five days. This occurred less than 20 miles from a United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Base.

OkoNGO is responding with great sadness and ferocious anger, asking questions and expecting accountability on the part of the UN. "I am troubled by the contention of mass rape in my country, that I love so much. Mass rape, what if it was in your backyard? In America, if one person is raped it becomes headline news and a massive manhunt. Why is the Democratic Republic of Congo different? Are we humans? Are we families? Are we people?" asks Wemba-koy Okonda, President of OkoNGO

Last Year when Secretary of State Clinton visited DRC she Promised $47 Million in Aid for the victims of Sexual Abuse. Fourteen Months and half a million deaths later, $17 million dollars of the promised aid is reportedly still tied up in the bureaucratic process. Another source suggested the money that was promised by Madame Clinton was in fact already allocated by the Bush Administration. Why promise money that is already promised? This is a serious policy blunder!

There has been too much suffering that has occurred in Central Africa since 1994. It would be a callous act to discover that an unknown person for whatever reason has delayed these funds so that women in this region cannot receive the proper medical care that they deserve to begin the road to recovery.

"As a resident of America and a native of DRC, I am taken aback by the belief of acceptance when humanity is violated. The ability to stand aside and accept that our fellow humans are mutilated, violated and even worse, unrecognized. The value of humanity has been diminished, skewed by politics and greed. I ask, What is the United Nations? Does the UN have the ability to keep watch over the very basis of their cause? Politics have engulfed the UN counsel, and become a hindrance more than a value" added Wemba-koy Okonda

Currently, the US Policy towards the DRC is seriously flawed and in danger of having a role in creating a Failed State. Public Law 109-456, Democratic Republic of the Congo Relief, Security and Democracy Promotion Act, deals with ensuring the stability of the DRC was signed into law by our previous president; this has still not been implemented. The recent Gang Rapes are a grave indicator of what ails the country, impunity runs rampant within the militias; mineral wealth and women are exploited for profit. The enforcement of Public Law 109-456 would be a beginning to restoring justice in the DRC.

It has become more troubling to learn that the UN peacekeeping officials knew rebels had entered the villages on July 30 - the same day these vicious attacks began. Reports indicate, that staff and humanitarian groups were warned to avoid the areas penetrated by rebels. Why did forces not get deployed to protect the residents?

"Where is the UN when my people are being subjected to mass rape, when the stronghold is but a few kilometers away. The UN's mission is to protect, not encourage; see me, find me, protect me; nothing less. I cannot see protection, have not felt protected, and see no outcome as my people in DRC still suffer... How can we continue to trust them and rely on them to protect us? Enough is enough!" responds Wemba-koy Okonda

The UN Security Council is demanding peacekeeping forces in DRC "take any and all possible measures to prevent" the continued mass atrocities. The council is strongly demanding a comprehensive investigation into what happened, how it was allowed to happen and why peacekeeping forces were unaware for a week after the assaults.

Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, released a statement late last week in which she said "The United States is deeply concerned by reports of the mass rape of women and children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This horrific attack is yet another example of how sexual violence undermines efforts to achieve and maintain stability in areas torn by conflict but striving for peace."

The rhetoric heard by Washington does not match the actions, or lack of such to alleviate the suffering inside DRC. With the events occurring this week, and those occurring over the last decade inside the country; the lack of concrete action by the UN begs the question; when is enough, enough? When will the people of DRC be heard and why must they continue to needlessly suffer?