Congo season

Congo Season: Media Talk - Demystifying the Congo
Tue 6th May, 7.30pm Price: £7.00

With Marcus Bleasdale (photojournalist specialising in DRC), Dino Mahtani (Former Reuters correspondent in DRC), Mulegwa Zihindula (spokesman for Kabila during 2002-2004) Moderated by Michela Wrong (author and columnist specialising in DRC).

Location: 13 Norfolk Place, London W2 1QJ

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has witnessed one of the worlds worst ongoing humanitarian crises, where as many as 5.4 million people may have died since 1998. We discuss why this country is beset by so many problems and if there are any forseeable solutions for it. more++
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Congo Season: In the picture with Marcus Bleasdale -The Rape of a Nation
Wed 7th May, 7.30pm Price: £7.00

Followed by Q&A

Location: 13 Norfolk Place, London, W2 IQJ

Marcus Bleasdale has now spent eight years covering the brutal conflict within the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the work was published in his book One Hundred Years of Darkness. Tonight he will present his work focusing on the people in Eastern Congos mining towns, where militia groups and government forces battle on a daily basis for control of the mineral-rich areas where they can exploit gold, coltan, cassiterite and diamonds. more++
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Congo Season Screening: The Greatest Silence - Rape in the Congo
Sun 11th May, 4.30pm Price: £5.00

Followed by Q&A (speakers tbc)

Location: 13 Norfolk Place, London, W2 1QJ

In the DRC there are tens of thousands of women who have been systematically kidnapped, raped, mutilated and tortured by soldiers from both foreign militias and the Congolese army. The world knows nothing of these women. Their stories have never been told. They suffer and die in silence. In The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo these brave women finally speak.

Congo Season Double Bill Screening: The UN in Congo
Mon 12th May, 7.30pm Price: £5.00

Followed by Q&A

Location: 13 Norfolk Place, London, W2 1QJ

As part of Frontlines Congo Season, we present two reports that focus on the role that the UN plays in the DRC and discuss with the filmmakers whether it's mission is still a valid one.

The UN's Dirty War (Unreported World)

Unreported World travels to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, and uncovers evidence that UN troops are supporting Congolese government forces even as they carry out indiscriminate attacks, sometimes against civilian targets.

Mission Impossible (BBC Panorama)

The UN polices conflicts around the world. But is it up to policing itself? Documents leaked to a joint Panorama/BBC World Service investigation reveal why the UN's department tasked with rooting out corruption has been called a "combat zone" and found not fit for purpose.

Congo Season: Media Talk - Lifting the Curse
Thu 15th May, 7.30pm Price: £7.00

With Muzong Kodi (RIIA), Tricia Feeney (RAID), Aloys Tegera (Pole Institute) and Caty Clement (UN). Moderated by Richard Dowden director of the Royal African Society.

Location: 13 Norfolk Place, London W2 1QJ

Are Congos natural resources to be found at the root of the nations problems or do they offer a key to its future development? more++