Dr. Denis Mukwege named among Time’s 100 most influential people

Nobel-prize nominated Congolese gynecologist Denis Mukwege, who surgically treats war rape victims, was named by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

The 61-year-old doctor founded the Panzi Hospital in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in 1999 to help women and girls who had been raped during the conflict then raging in the country.  Unfortunately, his work at Panzi Hospital continues.

Jason Stearns expelled from DRC

Jason’s organization, the Congo Research Group, had released a report “Who are the killers of Beni?” that said the responsibility for various massacres went beyond the Islamic group ADF.   The government also formally denounced the report.  The Congo Research Group believes the government has mischaracterized the claims in the report.

President Kabila has yet to state his intentions

President Joseph Kabila is technically subject to constitutional term limits that in theory prevent him from running in the presidential elections earmarked for November.  Recent governor elections throughout the country were predominately won by Kabila supporters which is believed to increase the odds that Kabila will want to continue as president, historically consistent with most African leaders.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has called for Kabila to cement his overall strong legacy by resigning.  Meanwhile, election related violence is starting to rear it’s head as many Congolese, especially in Kinshasa where Kabila has never had strong support, is increasing.

My Chicken, Give Me Eggs

Thanks to a generous donation, the My Chicken, Give Me Eggs project has been expanded in Kalondo.  The additional funds will support a community chicken coop that will allow for the facilitation and expansion of the micro-finance project which obligates the lendee to return two chickens in the future after having received two chickens.

Commodity Prices threaten the Congo economy

The decline in the price of oil is well known, but the price of copper and other commodities has also fallen dramatically.  This is having a severe impact on the economy as commodities are the main source of export and government revenues.  Until the decline in commodity prices, the economy had been performing relatively well with GDP growth over 8%.

Congo GDP
Copper Prices