Mike Benedi Sudi Am mba
The recent history of the Congo, today called the Democratic Republic of the Congo or DRC, since independence provides an ample illustration of wars and conflicts. Independence was immediately followed by period of instability and political violence. This was followed by the rebellion led by Pierre Mulele which in turn ushered in the long dictatorial reign of Mobutu.
If peace is only the absence of war, Mobutu’s regime could be called the golden age of peace, but peace is more than the absence of war. Mobutu's tyranny and corruption which worsened the poverty stricken misery of the population deprived of human rights created the conditions which led tow two civil wars in 1996 and 1998. Over five million Congolese have perished in just these two conflicts to date. So, since independence the DRC has never really known peace.
In this book the author suggests key issues to be analyzed and resolved as conditions precedent to a permanent peace in any country, not only the DRC. He analyzes the concepts of peace, tolerance, forgiveness, leadership, partnership and discipline as factors in building peace and in light of existing conditions in the DRC. He concludes his analysis with topical suggestions about constructing the foundation of all peace by changing the hearts of Men.
To sustain a lasting peace in the DRC, this change must be accomplished and a culture of peaceful civilization erected. This is the way to win the peace for all the citizens of the DRC. The peace will be reflected in social harmony; justice and security for the population in their homes and lives; increasing levels of economy security, health care, employment, housing, and education for all; and, progress towards the eradication of poverty, disease and malnutrition.
Mike Benedi Sudi Am mba is the President of the International Action for Human Development. In addition he serves as a consultant and partner with various import-export firms in Bukavu, South-Kivu Province in the DRC, focusing on ways to improve business innovation in this region. Mike lived and studied in Leeds, in the UK and obtained his degree with honors in Business Studies from Leeds Metropolitan University. He is also the former chairman of LASSCO (Leeds African Swahili Speaking Community) in the UK. Mike is the author and co-author of several books. His most recent book is: "How to Build a Lasting Peace in the DRC' and is very powerful, especially in outlining the goals of MMI where Mike is a valuable asset. He is the son of Amissi Mbaluku Benedi.
http://mmintdev.com/index.cfm?pageID=3
Contact Mike:
Email: mikebenedi@hotmail.com
ammbabenedi@hotmail.com
Appendixe 5: Open letter to Sen Barack Obama
July 20th, 2008
Dear Mr. Sen. Barack,
It’s an honor to write this letter to congratulate you as the symbol of the end of can’t word raising the hope of many individuals who don’t believe in change.
Reading your book that I found very powerful, very inspiring and for sure forgiving on page 49 up to 50 in Dreams from my father (2004), I was touched by your awareness of Africa’s poverty as a continent and that the aim of this message especially for the DRC and the continent in general.
I was at the Arlington National Cemetery to pay my respect to the brave American soldiers Known and unknown killed in Wars. I assisted to the changing of the guard’s ceremony. It was an honor also to visit the former president Kennedy Gravesites, here is a powerful sentence I found:… ’’ And so my fellow citizens of the World. Ask not what America will do for you but what together we can do for the freedom of a Man.’’
In this sense the research estimation of people killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo is 5 millions. These wars are provoked by men but children; women have paid the highest price.
The rapes, the HIV, the Hunger, Malaria, Illiteracy and other more problems are the consequences of these continuous conflicts.
Sir, I’ve watched Rev Jesse Jackson comment ‘’talking down on blacks’’ while you spoke about responsibility of Blacks people towards their families, I’ve watched as well your plan to end the War in Iraq, your European Tour, the American economy plans (taxes, Gas, Energy crises…) and more. I have to admit that you are a hero to complete dreams that was once impossible but now possible. I wish Dr Martin Luther King, Jr was alive to see these achievements of powerful young generation.
I am sure Mr. Nelson Mandela is proud of this generation too.
Around 150 billions dollar spent in Irak, 62 millions dollar is the money raised by the song:’’ we are the World’’ for African famine or Hunger, the ex president Clinton’s foundation spend millions against malaria, poverty in general…
