Akilimali Saleh Chomachoma, Author at Toward Freedom

The article reports on a natural disaster in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where heavy rainfall has led to the overflowing of the Nyamukubi and Chishova rivers. This has resulted in mudslides and landslides that have caused significant destruction to entire villages. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, and the report is provided by Akilimali Saleh Chomachoma.

Activism and Art: The Potent Combination in 'Eclipsed'

Lesley Becker's article discusses the play 'Eclipsed,' which portrays the lives of women as sexual slaves during the Liberian civil war. The play, written by Danai Gurira, features an all-female cast and creative team and aims to raise awareness about the injustices faced by women globally. The article connects the play's themes to current issues in Liberia, including the declaration of rape as a national emergency by President George Weah and the lack of resources to combat sexual violence. Becker highlights Gurira's efforts to humanize the experiences of these women beyond statistics and emphasizes the need for global and local action to address the cultural norms and political will surrounding the prosecution of sexual crimes. The article also touches on the historical relationship between the U.S. and Liberia, including the exploitation of resources and the use of child soldiers during the civil war.

The Resilience of Michelle Motibi: A Story of Recovery and Hope

The article tells the story of Michelle Motibi, a 15-year-old girl from Kraaifontein, South Africa, who has endured significant hardship, including a fire that left her with severe burns and no hair. Michelle's mother, Ursula, struggled with drug addiction and was not present when the fire occurred. Michelle spent a considerable time in intensive care and underwent numerous surgeries. She was cared for at St. Joseph’s Home for Chronically Ill Children and now attends Westcliff Special Secondary School. Despite her challenges, Michelle is determined to finish school and hopes to get a job to afford hair implants. The article highlights her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Virunga National Park: A Sanctuary in Peril Amidst War and Conflict

The article by Akilimali Saleh Chomachoma discusses the ongoing conflict in and around Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park, which was established to protect mountain gorillas, is now threatened by frequent fighting between the Congolese army (FARDC), the M23 rebel group, and other local militias. This conflict has led to environmental destruction and biodiversity loss, with over 100 armed groups operating in the area. The park's wildlife, including rare species like bonobos, white rhinos, and elephants, is at risk, and the local population is suffering due to halted development projects. The park's administration and local civil society leaders are calling for restored security to protect the park's fauna and flora and to resume conservation and development efforts.

Environmental Groups Call on DRC Govt to Stop Oil and Gas Blocks Auction

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government has initiated the auction of 27 oil and gas blocks, facing opposition from environmental organizations like Greenpeace and Alerte Congolaise pour l'Environnement et les Droits de l'Homme (ACEDH). These organizations argue that the auction contradicts the DRC's environmental commitments, including those under the Paris Agreement, and could harm local communities and protected areas. Despite these concerns, DRC officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment Eve Bazaiba and Minister of Hydrocarbons Didier Budimbu Ntubuanga, defend the auction as a means to create jobs and generate revenue for the country's development while claiming to adhere to environmental standards. Legal experts and environmentalists are considering legal action to ensure the government respects local land rights and environmental laws.

Congolese find reprieve in the planned removal of ‘stolen phone tax’

African countries are increasingly taxing the digital sector, with taxes on social media, streaming services, and mobile money. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) implemented a tax in 2020 to combat mobile terminal theft and counterfeiting, managed by the Register of Mobile Devices under the ARPTC. This tax, which varies by device capability, has been widely criticized for its lack of benefits to citizens, with 73% of the population living under $1.90 a day. Despite generating about $266 million by December 2021, its distribution and impact are questionable. Civil society groups and individuals have protested, and a government decree on Feb. 18 may signal the end of this tax. However, opinions on the tax's effectiveness and transparency remain divided.

GOMA, République démocratique du Congo — President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo placed the restive Ituri and North Kivu provinces, in the east of the country, under a state of siege on May 3, replacing civilian authorities with the

Eastern DRC Under a State of Siege: A Bitter Pill in North Kivu

The article discusses the state of siege in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which was established by President Félix Tshisekedi on May 6, 2021. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the measure has not yielded the expected results, with violence and civilian deaths continuing. The Congolese army (FARDC) faces criticism for its ineffectiveness, and there is growing mistrust among the citizens. The pro-democracy movement Lucha has reported an increase in violence since the state of siege began. Local politicians and citizens express divergent views on the effectiveness of the military control, with some calling for a return to civil administration. The Study Group on Congo has criticized the lack of regulation between military and suspended provincial authorities. The article also highlights the challenges faced by the military administration, including accusations of customs violations and the need for vigilance to prevent the state of siege from becoming counterproductive. Brigadier General Sylvain Ekenge acknowledges that the state of siege alone cannot end the decades-long conflict but hopes it will reduce violence.