DRC – 31 October 2014

TV Cameraman Badly Hurt in Targeted Goma Shooting
Reporters Without Borders joins its local partner Journalist in Danger (JED) in calling for a thorough investigation into a shooting attack on a TV cameraman in the eastern CITY of Goma on 25 October.
The authorities must end impunity for crimes of violence against journalists in Democratic Republic of Congo, which is ranked 151st out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.
The cameraman, Philémon Gira of Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise, was hospitalized in a serious condition with a gunshot injury to the thigh. Journalist in Danger’s press release follows: Call for urgent investigation to find those who shot Goma journalist. Journalist in Danger (JED) is appalled by a shooting attack on a journalist with the provincial bureau of Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC) in Goma, the capital of the eastern province of Nord-Kivu, on 25 October.
AllAfrica.com


State Dept. Congratulations to Dr. Mukwege On 2014 Sakharov Prize
The United States congratulates Dr. Denis Mukwege for the distinction of being awarded by the European Parliament the Sakharov prize for Freedom of Thought 2014, which honors exceptional individuals who defend HUMAN RIGHTS and combat oppression. Dr. Mukwege stands among a distinguished group of human rights defenders who have the courage to lead and to inspire, and we join him in support of his compassionate leadership.
Health workers around the world like Dr. Mukwege are critical partners in supporting survivors of sexual violence, the majority of whom are women and girls. Their care lays a foundation for recovery and healing, and also restores the dignity survivors need to demand justice.
In his efforts to confront the devastating effects of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, mostly targeted at women and girls, Dr. Mukwege’s leadership begins with medical care–and moves beyond, to championing Women’s Empowerment, and advocating for peace, justice and accountability.
Around the world, the United States applauds Human Rights defenders working on the front lines, including Dr. Mukwege and thousands of others, for their unwavering commitment to building societies where the voice, dignity, and human rights of all people are respected. We commend those who are prepared, sometimes at great personal risk, to take a stance against violence and repression and work for our common humanity.
State Department: US


 

Military Reshuffle Signals a Political Landscape in Motion
In September 2014, the Congolese government carried out a reorganization of its armed forces (FARDC). Congo is a huge country covering many local realities, each of which has its own threats, balance of power, conflict potential and economic assets.
The Congolese officers in question are individuals who have been trained in military schools or whose experience is the result of the years which they served in rebel movements, defending or attacking the nation. Many have, over the years, made a serious attempt to provide some rule of law, but many others are notorious violators of Human Rights considered by many Congolese citizens as being as much a part of the problem as the solution.
African Arguments