Day 4 in Bukavu proved to be one of the most rewarding days we spent in the DRC. We began the day with a meeting with MILOBS in South Kivu HQ. We were welcomed very warmly by a very diverse group of Military Observers. There are currently 85 in South Kivu and their role is so interesting as they are in the outer posts and often in places that are only reachable by helicopter. Their roles in the monitoring and reporting of peace and security issues is critical, yet not well understood by many. Some of the key challenges they face relate to the remote locations they may be in, but also language barriers and cultural differences. We met a Zambian Captain Chanda, one of only 4 female MILOBS in South Kivu. She was a remarkable young woman and understanding the challenges women face, and yet their unique contributions must be analysed further. Unbelievably when we mentioned one of our Botswana Training Course participants from Zambia, Col. Chissenga, Cpt Chanda replied that this was her boss!
We then went to Search for Common Ground's office. Search were great with assisting us with logistics and research materials for our training projects. They then took us to see ASO, a drumming, dancing and theatre group for youth that have been affected by war, many of whom are former child soldiers. We met the Director, Juvenal, in his very modest structure. Then a performance was done for us by the youth. Seeing the joy in their eyes was amazing as they performed. The therapy provided by this group was evident. Towards the end they performed a play in which they reenacted a scene with child soldiers. ASO performs locally when they have the opportunity to do so, yet they struggle to keep the programme going with very modest means.
After the performance we met with one of the founding girls. She told us how the therapy provided by the group has the ability to ensure children do not return to armed groups. Our conversation also gave merit to the fact that the girl soldier does exist in the DRC, but unfortunately they are not seen, heard or assisted very often. Dyan Mazurana's and Susan Mackay's seminal work on "Where are the Girls?" still applies.
Later that afternoon we met with UN Police. This meeting revealed the very little work that is being done to sensitize the police to the many dimensions of child soldiering and how specifically they are impacted. The overall lack of information that could be provided in this meeting was indicative. We were convinced they either found us very funny or insane at the end of the meeting.
Day 5
Today we made our way back to Goma and then to Kigali by road. Many thanks to Jean-Paul for the effective driving and negotiation skills! The flight we took this time was run by the Indian AirForce. We landed safely and made our way to our vehicle and saw Goma one last time. The drive through Rwanda was beautiful.
Today is Tanya's birthday!! Please join me in wishing her well.
As we begin to reflect on our many meetings, we feel confident that we have accomplished a great deal, made many important contacts and increased our knowledge immensely. A huge thank you to everyone that supported us and took the time to meet with us.
A bientot!
Shelly and Tanya
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