Oh woops
I forgot I’m supposed to be loosing weight!
I’ve eaten so much lately… Like ridiculously. Ahh well.
I’m sure I’ll fit into my birthday dress…
*carries on eating*
I can’t believe I’m tumlruingbduring a night out but wow this is so indie Im not vein extra serious lol
Another spanner in the works guys
I’m starting to think this trip to Congo may just not happen at all.
My mum is trying to comfort me… It’s not really working lol. But she’s being such a darl so I’m ok about it :) Oh life! Anyway I can’t think about this now… One exam left!!!
This time tomorrow, I’ll be free for the entire Summer! Can’t wait to start my travels!!
Could you guys pray for my last exam? I don’t really feel prepared in the sense that… I don’t feel I can write enough for each essay. Also.. I keep falling asleep whilst reading. Need to buy some coca cola to keep me awake for tonights revision lol
Portraits of Lendu people taken in the Democratic Republic of Congo by Christophe Stramba-Badiali.
(via roachelle)
Belgian Congo
I briefly thought about changing my research topic from US foreign policy in the Congo to something along the lines of… How is Congo still a taboo topic in Belgium today?
But I think the US foreign policy one is more suited to my undergrad degree course. The latter seems more… History related.
I still think it’s an interesting question though.
Depends on how Belgium is still profiting from the Congo today. They must be… (almost finished Hochschild’s king Leopold’s Ghost) I don’t know too much about what’s currently happening… Other than they pretend they don’t have the blood of millions of Congolese on their hands. I’ll educate myself once my exams are over. Need to get 3 essays and 6 exams out of the way before I start thinking of anything else!
But then I kind of feel, well. What could Belgium do now anyway? Other than stop sending aid to the instigators and ignoring the results of rigged elections (November 2011), along with the rest of the international community… Publicly apologising and recognising the full extent of their actions in the Congo…
Hmm I’m rambling now. But yeah, justice will come one day.
I love how
I said I’m taking a break from Tumblr to study… and this is the most I’ve blogged since forever haha.
But this stuff is actually important and I encourage you to watch those videos below. Part 1, 2 and 3 please! And will you’re at it… I’ll post Crisis in the Congo for you all to watch too.
I’ve decided I’m going to set up some kind of student chapter or some kind of forum at my university or something to do with the Congolese community here in Birmingham. (Apparently, there’s loads of us :/) when I come back for my final year.
I need to do something.
Those videos I just posted…
Please do take the time to watch them!
Many things have been clarified in 20 mins. Much of the things I’ve been reading about for my dissertation proposal actually came up actually. I’m still asking myself these questions:
Why are the perpetrators not being held accountable?
Why are we ignoring the death of millions of people in Congo?
Why is the US continuing to help Uganda and Rwanda?
Why is Uganda’s Museveni STILL in power?! Since 1986? Why was that not mentioned in the Kony 2012 malarkey?
Why has Rwanda been considered a beacon of hope in Africa… when he has blood on his hands?
Why did I never, once, EVER, learn about Lumumba at school? ESPECIALLY whilst learning about US foreign policy whilst Eisenhower was in office?
WHY IS THERE SO MUCH INJUSTICE IN THE WORLD?
If we don’t speak up, WHO WILL? We can’t rely on our ‘leaders’ those who are supposed to make our voices heard… those who we have elected to represent us… no. We have to rise as a people! I know I’m sounding all student activist rant here, but SERIOUSLY GUYS. WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THIS?
Part 3 of 3.
Kambale on The Real News. The US, Mining and Dictators in the Congo
Twitter: @Kambale
Facebook: Kambale Musavuli
Part 2 of 3.
Kambale on The Real News. Congo: Chaos by Design
Twitter: @Kambale
Facebook: Kambale Musavuli
Part 1 of 3.
Kambale on The Real News. Obama, the US and 5 Million Deaths in the Congo
Twitter: @Kambale
Facebook: Kambale Musavuli
Evening
I’m in the midst of writing my dissertation proposal. My undergraduate dissertation is to be completed by March 2014… two entire years away. But a piece of advice that I constantly hear from soon to be graduates that have recently submitted their dissertations is:
DO NOT LEAVE IT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE
I appreciate the fact that I have an entire year abroad in Strasbourg before I commence my final year as an undergrad at university… I need the time. I’m not ready for my final FINALS yet!
Anyway. So I’m trying to finish my dissertation proposal. I haven’t actually chosen my research question yet. It’s something along the lines of… international (West/UN/EU) influence in the DRC… mineral conflict… donors, named and shamed multinational companies… the perpetuating roles of Rwanda and Uganda… the silence
I’ve done so much reading in the past two days so my brain is struggling to retain further information… or even form proper sentences.
I’m shocked, to say the least.
I think I’ll write my thoughts and let you know how my dissertation goes :)
If you have any readings to suggest… please let me know! Just pop them in my ask box.
I started off with Timothy Reid’s 2006 paper ‘Killing Them Softly’, which was incredibly insightful, suggested by Kambale. You’ve probably heard of him, if not : @Kambale on Twitter. He’s pretty incredible when it comes to all things Congolese, and wonderfully articulate. Also, Friends of the Congo website has been really helpful.
I’m actually looking forward to start my dissertation :)
Bye for a while
Will be back 18th May.
It’s exam season :( *cries*
Please, please keep me in your prayers!
I need knowledge, confidence, wisdom, motivation and determination!
I’ll be praying for you guys too :)
Lots of love xxxx
