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The Congo
A letter you can use

See also: The Congo - world's deadliest conflict

The Congo - what can be done

Dear [name of elected representative]:

       The war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has killed more than 3.9 million people. More than 2.2 million have been displaced and 340,000 have fled as refugees. These statistics amount to the worst conflict since World War II. Despite a 2002 peace treaty, the violence continues.

The perpetrators include the DRC Government, local militias and rebel groups, often supported by nearby countries. Economic devastation includes the destruction of farms and modern infrastructure, leaving the Congolese in constant danger of violence and starvation.

       There are very effective things we can do to help 63 million people. I urge you, ___  [name of elected representative], to strongly support concrete steps to:

  • Pressure warring groups to cease violent, destabilizing actions. Work to convince them to join the political process.
  • Limit the destructive power of the many warring groups with targeted, enforced arms sanctions.
  • Hold parties accountable for illegal exploitation of the land, rape and other crimes. This would send out the message that the government will not allow the use of violence to realize personal agendas.
  • Support the return and reintegration of refugees and displaced persons.
  • Provide more peacekeeping troops. To establish central governmental control, 17,500 troops are not enough for a nation of over 63 million people and 905,354 square miles (2,345,410 sq km).
  • The United States, in cooperation with our allies, should provide a total of $683 million of badly needed humanitarian assistance to the victims of the conflicts.

       With your help, ___ [name of elected representative], we can successfully end the violence and help the Democratic Republic of Congo move forward. The stability of the entire African continent is at stake.

Sincerely,

[place your name here]

Put this letter to work:
 Easy and Effective Ways to Influence the Press, the Public and Our Elected Representatives


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by Caroline Frauman, Hearts & Minds volunteer
This web page and entire website © Copyright: 1997 - 2007 by Hearts and Minds Network, Inc. http://www.heartsandminds.org/peace/congo.htm - online June 2006, latest changes December 18, 2006

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