Congo Activists Deliver Petition for U.S. Presidential Envoy to the White House

From Enough blogs Thu Jan 31 2013, 19:35:45

When the M23 rebel group seized the city of Goma in eastern Congo last November, a coalition of activists sprang into action. Activists began calling for a U.S. presidential envoy to work with leaders and stakeholders from the region to address the urgent security needs.

At the center of this outpouring were the voices of hundreds of Congolese women leaders demanding attention to the impact on civilians of the rapidly advancing rebel movement. Fearing for their safety and the safety of their families, the leaders launched a petition on Change.org, supported by partners World Pulse and the Enough Project.

Within weeks, the petition had spread across the globe, gaining over 100,000 signatures. The petition quickly drew public support from Nobel Peace Prize winner and Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee and actress and activist Robin Wright.

"The time is now for the White House to respond in support of the women of Congo," said actress and Raise Hope for Congo activist Robin Wright. "This is a critical moment for action that could be a turning point for the people of eastern Congo."

[view whole blog post ]
 See More    |     Report Abuse



blogAfrica is allAfrica.com's platform to help you keep an ear on the African blogosphere. We draw diverse voices from around the world who post regularly and insightfully about African issues. Bloggers, submit your blog's rss-feed!