In post-colonial Africa, one of the biggest challenges facing Africans is the imposition of neo-colonial leaders - those who serve foreign interests at the expense of the masses of Africans who are mostly youth. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a classic case of neo-colonial leadership that has forfeited the future of its sons and daughters. The 2025 strategic partnership minerals for security deal that the DRC signed with the United States that gave up much of its sovereignty over its spectacular mineral wealth is one such example. However, Congolese youth are not sitting still, they have declared that Congo is not for sale and are mobilizing and organizing to reinforce this stance. During the IPS' Congo Week forum, young Congolese will share the organizing and work that they are putting in to achieve a free, liberated and sovereign Congo for the benefit of Congo and Africa as a whole.

Breaking the Silence Congo Week is a week of activities that commemorates the millions of lives lost in the Congo conflict while celebrating the enormous human and natural potential that exists in the country. Communities throughout the globe join in partnership with Congolese each year during the third week of October to screen films, hold teach-ins and forums, organize rallies, host fundraisers, put on concerts and undertake many other activities to elevate the profile of the Congo throughout the globe. Students and community organizers initiated Congo Week in 2008.

SPEAKERS:

• Gaetan Dauphin Nzowo, Friends of The Congo,
• Jessica Kanya-Ngambi, African Diaspora Connection,
• Kambale Musavuli, Center for Research on the Congo-Kinshasa

Moderator: Netfa Freeman, BAP Africa Team and IPS Events Coordinator