Congo Democratic Picture Republic

AUSTRALIA - *Passport, Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or non-electronic label visa, proof of onward or return ticket, and sufficient funds are required. An ETA or non-electronic label visa is required for tourist or business stays of up to 3 months. An ETA is an electronically stored authority to travel to Australia and can be obtained online at www.ETA.immi.gov.au or through participating travel agencies or airlines. Minors not accompanied by a parent or traveling with only one parent need notarized written parental consent from the absent parent(s). AIDS test required for permanent resident visa for applicants age 15 and older; tests taken in the U.S. are acceptable. More information about entry requirements to Australia (including for longer stays) is available on the Embassy of Aus ... [Read More]

Bringing Democracy to Africa's Authoritarian Governments

Let me start with the problem of the state. I think there has been a--and my argument is, just to put it on the table first, that in a lot of countries--not in all countries but certainly in a lot of African countries, if we are serious when we talk about democracy, what we need to concentrate on is not the political process but the state itself. There are a lot of countries where talking about promoting democracy without first addressing some of the basic problems of the state is a waste of time. I think, if I can choose just one example, I think the Democratic Republic of Congo is the most important case here. If we are serious about sort of promoting democracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I think we have to stop and go back essentially. We cannot start with negotiation among the warring factions. We cannot start with planning for the election for government. We have to start taking a hard look at whether or not there is a state that can be democratized in the fi ... [Read More]

Foreign Entry Requirements

CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE (formerly Zaire) - *Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained before arrival. For specific requirements, consult the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1800 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (202/234-7690/1) or Permanent Mission to the U.N., 747 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017. ... [Read More]

Introduction

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, various armed groups continued to commit massacres and other atrocities, but the poor human rights situation improved slightly. After five years of war, a Transitional Government was inaugurated, a vital step in starting the country on a path toward democracy. Uganda withdrew its forces by June, and, following the adoption of a transitional constitution, a transitional power-sharing government was established on June 30. In Liberia, a cooperative transitional power sharing agreement emerged between civil society, former government forces and the rebel groups, “Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy” (LURD) and “Movement for Democracy in Liberia” (MODEL), with elections scheduled for October 2005. However, numerous abuses occurred in the context of the conflict, and sporadic fighting, looting and human rights violations continued in remote areas where peacekeepers from the U.N. Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) have not yet reached. ... [Read More]

David Goldiner, "Games for the Whole World" , U.S. Society and Values, December 2003

Half a world away, Mwadi Mabika would sit for hours watching boys play basketball on a dirt court in front of her family's home in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The boys would taunt the eight-year-old girl, telling her she could shoot the ball for five minutes if she swept sand off the court. ...

All-Star center Dikembe Mutombo, who himself was plucked from obscurity in Zaire 15 years ago, tutored the youngsters with some basic moves – and offered invaluable words of encouragement. "I want them to know that they can make it to another level if you want to push yourself," said Mutombo, who frequently visits his homeland, which is now called the Democratic Republic of Congo. ... [Read More]

Department of State Washington File: Text: U.S. To Issue Human Rights Strategy Report

Sudan remained a serious abuser of human rights, including tragic violations such as slavery, child labor, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and attacks on civilians continued. Notwithstanding the failure of the UN Commission on Human Rights to pass a Sudan resolution this month, the Government of Sudan must make greater and more transparent improvements in the human rights conditions of its people. Zimbabwe's government used a systematic campaign of violence and intimidation against its opponents, real and perceived. This campaign has also featured politicized distribution of food aid in an environment where half the population has been at risk of malnutrition and hunger. In Côte d'Ivoire, a coup attempt and ensuing civil unrest sparked human rights violations by government and rebel forces. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, major abuses continued. ... [Read More]

Alan Larson, "GEOPOLITICS OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS," Economic Perspectives, May 2004

Africa is playing an increasingly important role as an energy supplier to U.S. and global markets. In 2003, both Nigeria and Angola were among the top 10 suppliers of oil to the United States. Oil production generates substantial revenue in countries such as Nigeria, Angola, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Chad, and Cameroon. Sao Tome and Mauritania also may become oil suppliers in the coming years. Foreign direct investment is needed to develop African energy resources as most new fields are in deepwater offshore environments that require advanced capital-intensive facilities for development. Growing oil and gas production could be a powerful engine for national economic development in these countries. However, the Niger Delta experience of 2002, in which protesters stormed oil facilities and caused their temporary shutdown, shows that oil can also be a disruptive force if a country's oil revenues are not managed in a fair and transparent manner. Nigeria has learne ... [Read More]