Congo is currently undergoing a silent genocide. We are lifting our voices for the people of DRC. This episode is my imperfect attempt to amplify the ongoing situation in Congo, and share the 5 greatest lessons I learned from a book I read in light of the moment we are in called Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives by Siddharth Kara.

In this episode, I also read an overview of what’s happening in the Northern Kivu regions where militia groups are massacring, exploiting, and sexually assaulting Congolese people. Free Congo, Free Sudan, Free Palestine, Free Haiti, and free all nations and peoples suffering under colonial, capitalist, supremacist, and military violence.

🎥: Watch the video of this episode on Spotify or YouTube.

Sending all my love to you today, sunshine. 

Key quote from episode: 

“Cobalt mining is the slave farm perfected.” — Siddharth Kara, Cobalt Red

Time stamps:

(04:46): Situation overview

(18:31): Documentary: Crisis In The Congo

(22:26): Book: Cobalt Red & the 5 lessons I learned

(25:35): Map of DRC conflicts

(29:13): Lesson 1: Exploitative tech giants

(43:30): Lesson 2: Human rights atrocities

(56:33): Lesson 3: Colonial history

(01:03:07): Lesson 4: Stolen future: The assassination of Patrice Lumumba

(01:11:47): Lesson 5: Public Health Crisis

(01:17:47): How we can help (donate, amplify, share)

LEARN:

Book: Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives by Siddharth Kara

Documentary: Crisis In The Congo: Uncovering The Truth by Friends of the Congo

Talk: Cobalt Red with Siddharth Kara by Foreign Policy Association

Book: King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa by Adam Hochschild

Instagram infographics: Follow @powerfulcountries [Source(s): UnitedNations, IPIS Research, International Rescue Committee, AfricanNews, Al Jazeera, Human Rights Watch, NY Times, Wikipedia, AP News, Relief Web, and The Independent]

DONATE:

Congolese-led organizations

Friends of the Congo

Panzi Foundation is renowned for its work in treating survivors of sexual violence. The foundation supports survivors of gender-based violence. 

HEAL Africa Based in Goma, HEAL Africa runs a hospital and provides health care, training, and community development programs.

UCOFEM (Union Congolaise des Femmes des Médias): An organization focused on women’s rights and gender equality.

International organizations

UNHCR

International Rescue Committee

Doctors without Borders