Saturday 30 June 2007
at 12 noon

Starting from: The OLD MARKET SQUARE
Ending at: The Meadows Park, Queens Walk

The march will be followed by a Public meeting on Congolese issues
at: The Meadows Park, Queens Walk, The
Meadows


Refreshments will be available.



Organised by: Nottingham Congolese Community.
Supported by: No Borders Nottingham , African Initiative Support,
NCADC


Is the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) really independent?

Since "independence was granted to the DRC on 30 June 1960, the
country has been under the control of criminals and dictators, while
its progress has been hindered by foreign interference, illegal
exploitation and exportation of the Congo's natural resources, and
levels of repression, human rights abuses and conflict that have
killed millions and produced hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers,
refugees and internally displaced persons.

Despite the so-called ' democratic' elections last year, more than
people were gunned down in February this year in the Bas- Congo
region while protesting against local election results. Innocent men,
women and children belonging to the politico-religious group Bundu
dia Kongo were killed while they prayed in their church.

On 22 and 23 march, more than 700 people died in the capital when
troops loyal to Joseph ' Kabila' used heavy arms in an open street
battle against those backing hi8s presidential contender Jean-Pierre
Bemba. Hundreds more were seriously injured, thousands arrested and
an unknown number were forcibly disappeared. In the east of the
country, war between opposing groups of militias is still causing
death, devastation, displacement and acute insecurity. Rape is
endemic throughout the country and is used as a weapon of oppression
punishment and torture.

Industrial loggers are being allowed to plunder the Congo's remaining
intact rainforest , upon which more than two thirds of the population
depend for their livelihood. Eighty percent of the species found in
the Congo cannot be found anywhere else on earth. People are being
exploited for their land.

There is credible evidence of persecution of Congolese Asylum seekers
who are forcibly returned to the DRC. A country Guidance tribunal due
to start on July will aim to determine that it is unsafe to return
people under present conditions.