Bemba Seeks Refuge In Portugal…

I’ve been reading all types of articles in the past few weeks in trying to keep up with the violence that erupted in Kinshasa, lead by Jean-Pierre Bemba’s security in late March.

Here are some updates on that situation:

BBC News: Opposition leader leaves DR Congo

Afrol.com: UN Helps Bemba leave Congo-Kinshasa

A few days ago as I searched for songs by Faya Tess (Mbilia Bel’s reason for breaking ties with Tabu Ley; I couldn’t find any articles on her. Any information on her is welcomed) I found the song “Bana” a duet between herself and Lokua Kanza. Bana (which means “Children” in Lingala) is a song about the trials many children are facing on the Continent and what is needed to ensure their futures aren’t doomed. I’m not sure if this song is on a Faya Tess or Lokua Kanza release but it is featured on Putumayo Presents: Acoustic Africa compilation. I was so moved by the beauty of the song I decided to put some new software I had to work and made a lil’ video using pictures I saved off google, www.slide.com, and Broadcaster StudioPRO. Guy has spoken on the major issue of child soldiers in the Congo (and other parts of Africa) so I wanted to incorporate that into the video. Warning though some of the pictures are rather heart wrenching (no blood).

Faya Tess & Lokua Kanza: Bana

I’m still working on my next entry in the series of entries following the career of Zaiko Langa Langa and Pepe Felly Manuaku so hold tight. Until next time…Peace

Tika Ko Swana Ko!

Tika ko swana, ko! = ‘Stop Fighting!’

A direct quote from my mother (r.i.p.)
She would often say (more like scream) this to me and my brother when we would fight.
That was usually all she needed to say and that was it.

Sometimes I wish it were that simple in matters of WAR.
Just “Stop Fighting.”

Since March 23rd (last friday) there has been violence in Kinshasa involving rebels opposing President Joseph Kabila. These rebels are under Jean-Pierre Bemba who ran against Kabila for presidency in October of last year. I will leave the important news such as this to the experts. BBC has coverage of what’s been going on daily since the 23rd. Here are some of the recent headlines/articles:

News – Clashes reflect DR Congo divisions (3/23)

News – Kabila warns DR Congo’s ex-rebel (3/26)

News – ‘Up to 600 dead’ in Congo clashes (3/27)

News – Congo’s Bemba ‘to go to Portugal’ (3/28)

THE CONFLICT, IN PICTURES

This conflict was discussed by Guy Angrand & Pierre Mbala (Tambour D’Afrique Correspondent in Denver, CO) on last weeks show (#11).