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CONGO ARCHIVE: Oct. 3-14, 2005

Congo in the Hot Zone: Video Report

One of the world's most intractable conflicts still festers here. But there are moments of hope.

By Kevin Sites, Fri Oct 14, 5:52 PM ET

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VIDEO - It is such a desperate place in so many ways that some people in the

Democratic Republic of Congo think only God can save their country.

It is one of the richest countries in Africa, its lush mountains thick with diamonds, gold and other precious minerals.

Yet one of the world's most intractable conflicts still festers here, where over the past decade militias, rebels and even foreign armies have raped the land and its people of their lives, wealth and sometimes their spirit.

But you find moments of relief here too, even hope, as Kevin Sites reports in his Hot Zone summary video from the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Next: DR Congo Update
Previous: Reflections from the Hot Zone: Congo
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Comments

Join the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.

1
people of congo believe in god and know that people like myself hear your story of pain and suffering nad pray for you with all my heart and soul and i too feel so helpless. you are in my thoughts and prayers always
Posted by riss83181 on Fri, Oct 14, 2005 6:19 PM ET
2
Kevin, you're doing a very good job. I know that it must be so difficult to witness people's sufferings and know that there's only so much you can do on that material level. But you're doing something so much more important in the 'long-run' by bringing this to the public and allowing us to see things that are never reported- things that we would care so much more about if only we knew of them. So thank you very much, your articles have opened my eyes to many new things, and have given me much to think over. Alex-
Posted by alexandriagilbert on Fri, Oct 14, 2005 7:53 PM ET
3
Who is Robert Padavick? Maybe it's a dumb question, but I just noticed the last two reports from the Hot Zone are posted under his name. Member of the crew? Editor back home? Alias for Kevin Sites? Not a criticism, just curious. Karin the librarian
Posted by hotstockings on Sat, Oct 15, 2005 6:52 AM ET
4
Robert is one of the people who give support to Kevin - if you go to "Meet Kevin Sites" then you can read about it.
Posted by veilingon on Sat, Oct 15, 2005 12:13 PM ET
5
Thank you, Robert, for posting here and for the support you and the other team members give to Kevin. I have learnt a lot since coming across this site, and it really has changed the way I see things. Having links to groups which help the local people is a wonderful idea, too. I would like to recommend you look into Christian Aid Ministries which is an organisation in the US. According to the Forbes site, 99% of money given goes to help those in need. I highly recommend them. God bless, Veronica from Australia
Posted by veilingon on Sat, Oct 15, 2005 12:15 PM ET
6
Kevin, I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you. You care so much to have gone this far. Continue the good work! Kehinde Laaro from Nigeria, resides in the USA.
Posted by kehindelaaro2002 on Sat, Oct 15, 2005 3:06 PM ET
7
kevin great job you are doing have learned so much the last few weeks have a friend that has been in the states 2 years from what you call the hot zone she loves her home but says she came never go home there is no home to return to
Posted by l.allio@sbcglobal.net on Sat, Oct 15, 2005 4:29 PM ET
8
I was happy to log onto your site when I saw that you have visited Congo Kevin. I am from the Caribbean and was told that my ancestors were slaves from Congo. So I am very interested in learning about Congo, but at the time sad at what is going on. I pray that the Lord may have mercy on these hardworking and determined people. Keep up the good work Kevin. In most cases everything one do can make the difference. Much regards.
Posted by shirvelle on Sat, Oct 15, 2005 5:58 PM ET
9
i too is feeling impotent, i cant do nothing with peoples sufferings,but kevin God has plans for you, thats why u are there.carry on!be our voice of compassion.people out there, need compasion, more than pity.my prayers are always with you.thumbs up, ur doing it GREAT!
Posted by mdelnagen on Sat, Oct 15, 2005 6:39 PM ET
10
Kevin, I think your doing a great job. Your reporting is the way journalists ought to report. Walter Cronkite ought to be proud that there are still reporters willing to report the news, and not just cover it. Your a rare bird in a crowded field of talking heads. Keep up the good work. Keep your head down.
Posted by nashuaeric on Sat, Oct 15, 2005 6:40 PM ET

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Learn More

» Web Search: DR Congo
» Web Search: Rwanda

HOW TO HELP

  • International Rescue Committee: DRC - provides emergency primary health care and water/sanitation programs, counsels former child soldiers, and helps repatriate war-displaced refugees adversly.
  • Doctors Without Borders: DRC - operates mobile clinics, responds to outbreaks of infectious disease, treats victims of sexual violence, and provides care for those living with HIV/AIDS.
  • Int'l Committee of the Red Cross: DRC - focuses on assisting vulnerable groups affected by the conflict, and works to provide health care for the war-wounded and the civilian population.
  • International Crisis Group: Rwanda - working to help rebuild the physical, social, political and economic institutions devastated by war.

MORE NEWS

» Yahoo! News Full Coverage: DR Congo
» Yahoo! News Full Coverage: Rwanda
» Yahoo! News Home - World - Africa

in memoriam

The Kevin Sites in the Hot Zone team dedicates this site to Marla Ruzicka, a fearless voice of compassion, who was killed in Iraq on April 16, 2005, while trying to lessen the suffering of others. For more information, see Civic Worldwide.