The Lawyer - Assumpta % %

Presents ”The Lawyer“ with Assumpta. A Special edition coming on Monday,8th April, 2024 at: assumptagh.live/

African Stream: Protesters in DRC have set fire on the French and British embassies while demanding them to leave.

UPDATE: Protesters in DRC have set fire on the French and British embassies while demanding them to Leave.

Violent protests have erupted today outside the French and British embassies in the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa.

Masses are demanding that the embassies must be closed and their personnel leave the country. They have accused Britain and America of sponsoring unending war.The masses are saying enough is enough, that Britain, France and America must leave their country.

It is an extensively researched and widely accepted fact that the Democratic Republic of Congo, even after gaining independence from Belgium in 1960, is still grappling with the financial implications of colonialism in the form of an enormous colonial tax paid to France. This tax, estimated to be approximately 500 billion dollars annually, was imposed by France as compensation for the perceived benefits it had provided to Congo during the colonial period. The tax is enforced through a complex system of treaties, agreements, and debt arrangements, which are still in place today. The impact of this colossal financial outlay on the Congolese economy is profound, with the country being deprived of much-needed resources and funds that could have been used for its development. This serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching and long-lasting effects of imperialism on African nations, and the urgent need to address the issue of reparations for the historical injustices inflicted on colonised countries.

This is happening at the same time when, Thousands of people are fleeing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as fighting intensifies between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group. Fighters reportedly surrounded the strategic town of Sake on Wednesday, a crucial step before reaching Goma, the capital of North Kivu. Capturing Sake would deal a logistical blow to Congolese soldiers.

The Congolese army, in collaboration with United Nations peacekeeping troops, is facing a daunting task in attempting to curb the rapid and relentless advance of the M23 rebel group. Despite their concerted efforts, the ongoing conflict has resulted in a mass exodus of people from the town of Sake, with thousands of refugees fleeing to the town of Bulengo, which is situated some 10 kilometres (6 miles) to the west of Goma. The displaced civilians have been forced to endure unimaginable hardships, including lack of access to basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter, and their situation is exacerbated by the fact that the conflict shows no signs of abating. The humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict is therefore worsening by the day, and urgent action is required to address the needs of the affected population.

Without a doubt, the rebels’ intentions are a topic of great interest. I strongly recommend viewing this compelling video that I have discovered before we proceed, as it provides valuable insight into the matter.

Title: Exploring the Complexities of Protest Movements: A Case Study of Demonstrations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Introduction:

The recent outbreak of violent protests outside the French and British embassies in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has captured global attention. The demonstrators’ demands for the closure of these embassies and the departure of their personnel highlight deep-seated grievances and frustrations within Congolese society. This essay aims to analyse the reasons behind these protests, exploring the complex sociopolitical dynamics at play in the DRC.

Historical Context:

To understand the current protests, it is essential to delve into the historical backdrop of the DRC. Decades of colonial rule, followed by a tumultuous post-independence period marked by dictatorship, civil war, and external interference, have left the country grappling with political instability, economic challenges, and social unrest. The legacy of exploitation, both by internal and external actors, continues to shape the Congolese people’s perceptions and experiences.

Causes of Protest:

The primary catalyst for the recent protests appears to be the perception among certain segments of Congolese society that foreign powers, particularly France and Britain, are meddling in the country’s internal affairs. Accusations of sponsorship of ongoing conflicts resonate deeply, reflecting broader sentiments of anti-imperialism and resentment towards perceived neo colonial influences. Additionally, socio-economic grievances, including poverty, corruption, and lack of basic services, exacerbate the underlying discontent and fuel popular anger.

Role of External Actors: The involvement of foreign powers in the DRC’s affairs is a contentious issue. While some argue that international engagement is necessary for development and stability, others view it as a form of neo-imperialism aimed at exploiting the country’s resources and perpetuating dependency. The perception of Western interference, whether real or imagined, often serves as a rallying cry for protest movements seeking to assert national sovereignty and autonomy.

Challenges to Democratic Governance:

The eruption of violent protests also underscores the challenges facing democratic governance in the DRC. Despite transitioning to a multiparty system, the country continues to grapple with systemic issues such as electoral fraud, political repression, and weak institutions. The inability of successive governments to address the root causes of instability and address the needs of the population further erodes trust in the political establishment and fuels dissent.

Conclusion:

The recent protests outside the French and British embassies in Kinshasa shine a spotlight on the complex socio-political landscape of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Deep-seated grievances, historical injustices, and perceptions of external interference converge to fuel popular discontent and spur collective action. As the country navigates its path towards stability and prosperity, it is imperative to address the underlying causes of unrest and strive towards inclusive governance that respects the aspirations and dignity of all Congolese citizens.

Certainly! Here is a quote from Nichiren Daishonin’s Gosho:

Practice is what we do in order to make the high life-condition (Buddhahood) manifest in our lives and study helps us transform our lives.

In The True Aspect of all Phenomena’, Nichiren Daishonin writes:

Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. Both practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase. (WND-1, p. 386

This quote emphasises the importance of both practice and study in Buddhism, highlighting the interconnectedness of faith, practice, and sharing the teachings with others.

Assumpta: Hey Tsasi, have you heard about the protests outside the French and British embassies in Kinshasa?

Tsasi: Yes, I did. It’s quite unsettling to see such violence erupting. What do you make of it?

Assumpta: Well, I think it’s a reflection of the deep-seated frustrations and grievances within our society. People are tired of external interference and perceive these embassies as symbols of neocolonialism.

Tsasi: That’s true. The history of foreign involvement in the DRC has been tumultuous, to say the least. But do you think setting fire to embassies is the right way to address these issues?

Assumpta: It’s certainly not the ideal approach, but it’s a manifestation of the frustration and anger boiling over. I believe dialogue and peaceful protests would be more effective in bringing about change.

Tsasi: I agree. Resorting to violence only perpetuates the cycle of unrest and instability. We need constructive dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders to address the underlying issues and work towards a more just and equitable society.

Assumpta: Absolutely. It’s essential for us, as citizens, to voice our concerns peacefully and engage in meaningful dialogue with our leaders and the international community to chart a path towards progress and prosperity for all Congolese people.

Tsasi: Well said, Assumpta. Let’s hope that through dialogue and collective action, we can bring about positive change and build a brighter future for our countries.