Friday, March 14, 2008
Blue Helmets
Dressed in my lonely blue jeans and a dusty, worn shirt, I found myself two rows behind a commanding officer of the Indian military. We were invited by the local MONUC Indian battalion to their extravagant medal ceremony in the center of town. Surrounded by MONUC officials, local governing authorities, and camouflaged officers, I felt a bit out of place. I joked with my friend sitting near by, an interpreter for the UN, “I think I’m in the wrong seat.” The commander greeted each one of the distinguished guests, I put on my best, presentable self. The event itself was an impressive display of India’s military ritual. Not a military minded person, I appreciated the subsequent cultural performance of dance and acrobats that followed. The marching band, though lacking the African rhythmic beats, was also entertaining.
The UN is a highly debated topic of discussion throughout the international community. And for years, I’ve held my own reservations on its capability and intentions. Still do. The following are thoughts gathered on the presence of MONUC in DRC and impressions received from the Congolese themselves; a rendition of the blue helmets.
It’s generally accepted that the initial arrival of the peacekeeping force was necessary and welcomed. MONUC played a major role in bringing a sense of stability and peace; not to convey absolute peace has been reached. It remains scattered throughout eastern Congo, but continues to battle. However, the implementation of a UN force was necessary and should be commended. One prays a similar force will finally enter the crisis in Darfur. It’s been way too long.
I’ve described aspects of this context as harsh in previously entries, and the reality is the negative effects of MONUC feed into it as well. Many Congolese wonder what the force actually does. As do I. We watch the white Land Rovers, pick-ups, and other SUVS, speed past us on the road. The other day, I had to resist the temptation of “flipping the old bird” as I was nearly run off the road while driving. Trucks carrying armed and seemingly bored troops plow through the town, followed by a caravan of jeeps and tank-like vehicles.
One would recognize a more developmental approach if there was evidence of interaction with the community. But, hardly have I witnessed peace keeping troops engaging with the people and nourishing the local economy. Unfortunately, this deficiency is minor compared to some stories I’ve heard or seen of darker practices.
Though it’s said to have improved, prostitution among peacekeeping troops with Congolese women is not necessarily a rarity. When your desperate for money and food, sexual promiscuity becomes a supporting option. Perhaps the greatest evidence lies in the faces of the fatherless children. Last week, a light-skinned child approached me declaring, “MONUC!”, pointing to himself, as if the acronym replaced the name of his father…or was all he knew of him.
Congo, rich in resources, brings temptation to retrieve diamonds, gold, and other minerals. Instances of illegal arms trade between peacekeepers and local militia groups have been disclosed. Put them into an equation, it’s not hard to see the error in achieving peace. And as I sat during the medal ceremony, the eerie thought of Congo being more or less a military training ground for other nations crossed my mind.
As with any institution comprised of government authority, the bureaucracy remains the major inhibitor. Even those working within the organization have expressed frustration. The local battalions have been willing to assist us in clearing land at UCBC, however, never seem to get the approval from the directors higher up.
It would be inappropriate not to mention the positive efforts made by MONUC in the area, and specifically the support and interaction of the local Indian Battalion (INDBAT). They’ve reached out to UCBC and the community. First, holding a debate/discussion at UCBC, allowing students to present and express their ideas and thoughts regarding the “Role of Youth in Nation-Building”. Occasionally, they will stop by for a visit or invite staff and some students to their celebrations or activities. They invited our progressing basketball team for a match at their base. And perhaps, most impressive, the donation of two basketball hoops for our very own, hand-made dirt court on campus. For these efforts and their sincerity in the restoration of DRC, I must commend the battalion for befriending the University.
A graduation ceremony of FARDC battalions trained by MONUC provided a little more insight. Better trained than not trained I suppose. My concern…even with training…you have a significant number of soldiers, unpaid, heavily armed, and in circumstances where life’s needs are difficult to come by and humanity easy to wrongfully and grossly exploit. As reports have noted, FARDC are equally or perhaps more responsible for perpetrating sexual violence and other human rights abuse.
From a personal perspective, I find myself uncomfortable associating whole-heartedly with MONUC. On occasion, I’ll hitch a ride back into town with UN friends and employees. I can’t help to notice and feel the difference in the eyes of the people as we drive buy in the very comfortable SUV. And, I’m quick to correct those who address me as a MONUC employee.
MONUC has played a significant role in the peace process, and most likely, still has a role. I could not suggest a pull out of the operation, as there is a lot of work ahead in the restoration and reconstruction of DRC. However, I believe problematic issues within their approach and organization needs to be aggressively addressed. Nor do I intend to paint a insensitive portrait of their work, but must express an transparent interpretation. As the people of Congo continue to work towards reconciliation, I fear another type of reconciliation amid the blue helmets and Congolese may become equally important.
(Note: On Sunday night, an officer from INDBATT called to invite us for a match on Monday. They would formally present the basketball hoops for the school after the game. We played on their painted asphalt court with glass backboards on base. The tension or lack of trust between our players and the MONUC team was evident. Tried to calm their emotions and focus their minds on the game. Difficult, as I questioned some of the calls made. By the end I believe the Indian referees sensed my own displeasure. Feelings developed reminiscent of the discrimination and segregation between cultures in America. But after, it appeared more as difference or lack of knowledge in rules of the game. Not sure.
Though, a part of me found it hard to swallow the following ceremonial donation of the wood planked basketball hoops, I submitted to a sense of sincerity from the opposing team players and the commanding officers. Moreover, I was wrapped up in the atmosphere that the game created. A team of 7 young men, limited or no opportunity to practice, busting their balls on the court, while mentally battling the lack of trust for the opposing team and presence of the force. They weren’t alone, however, as the rest of the student body courageously cheered and encouraged us despite our defeat. We're thankful for the relationship established with the INDBATT and hope for the same interaction from other battalions.)
The UN is a highly debated topic of discussion throughout the international community. And for years, I’ve held my own reservations on its capability and intentions. Still do. The following are thoughts gathered on the presence of MONUC in DRC and impressions received from the Congolese themselves; a rendition of the blue helmets.
It’s generally accepted that the initial arrival of the peacekeeping force was necessary and welcomed. MONUC played a major role in bringing a sense of stability and peace; not to convey absolute peace has been reached. It remains scattered throughout eastern Congo, but continues to battle. However, the implementation of a UN force was necessary and should be commended. One prays a similar force will finally enter the crisis in Darfur. It’s been way too long.
I’ve described aspects of this context as harsh in previously entries, and the reality is the negative effects of MONUC feed into it as well. Many Congolese wonder what the force actually does. As do I. We watch the white Land Rovers, pick-ups, and other SUVS, speed past us on the road. The other day, I had to resist the temptation of “flipping the old bird” as I was nearly run off the road while driving. Trucks carrying armed and seemingly bored troops plow through the town, followed by a caravan of jeeps and tank-like vehicles.
One would recognize a more developmental approach if there was evidence of interaction with the community. But, hardly have I witnessed peace keeping troops engaging with the people and nourishing the local economy. Unfortunately, this deficiency is minor compared to some stories I’ve heard or seen of darker practices.
Though it’s said to have improved, prostitution among peacekeeping troops with Congolese women is not necessarily a rarity. When your desperate for money and food, sexual promiscuity becomes a supporting option. Perhaps the greatest evidence lies in the faces of the fatherless children. Last week, a light-skinned child approached me declaring, “MONUC!”, pointing to himself, as if the acronym replaced the name of his father…or was all he knew of him.
Congo, rich in resources, brings temptation to retrieve diamonds, gold, and other minerals. Instances of illegal arms trade between peacekeepers and local militia groups have been disclosed. Put them into an equation, it’s not hard to see the error in achieving peace. And as I sat during the medal ceremony, the eerie thought of Congo being more or less a military training ground for other nations crossed my mind.
As with any institution comprised of government authority, the bureaucracy remains the major inhibitor. Even those working within the organization have expressed frustration. The local battalions have been willing to assist us in clearing land at UCBC, however, never seem to get the approval from the directors higher up.
It would be inappropriate not to mention the positive efforts made by MONUC in the area, and specifically the support and interaction of the local Indian Battalion (INDBAT). They’ve reached out to UCBC and the community. First, holding a debate/discussion at UCBC, allowing students to present and express their ideas and thoughts regarding the “Role of Youth in Nation-Building”. Occasionally, they will stop by for a visit or invite staff and some students to their celebrations or activities. They invited our progressing basketball team for a match at their base. And perhaps, most impressive, the donation of two basketball hoops for our very own, hand-made dirt court on campus. For these efforts and their sincerity in the restoration of DRC, I must commend the battalion for befriending the University.
A graduation ceremony of FARDC battalions trained by MONUC provided a little more insight. Better trained than not trained I suppose. My concern…even with training…you have a significant number of soldiers, unpaid, heavily armed, and in circumstances where life’s needs are difficult to come by and humanity easy to wrongfully and grossly exploit. As reports have noted, FARDC are equally or perhaps more responsible for perpetrating sexual violence and other human rights abuse.
From a personal perspective, I find myself uncomfortable associating whole-heartedly with MONUC. On occasion, I’ll hitch a ride back into town with UN friends and employees. I can’t help to notice and feel the difference in the eyes of the people as we drive buy in the very comfortable SUV. And, I’m quick to correct those who address me as a MONUC employee.
MONUC has played a significant role in the peace process, and most likely, still has a role. I could not suggest a pull out of the operation, as there is a lot of work ahead in the restoration and reconstruction of DRC. However, I believe problematic issues within their approach and organization needs to be aggressively addressed. Nor do I intend to paint a insensitive portrait of their work, but must express an transparent interpretation. As the people of Congo continue to work towards reconciliation, I fear another type of reconciliation amid the blue helmets and Congolese may become equally important.
(Note: On Sunday night, an officer from INDBATT called to invite us for a match on Monday. They would formally present the basketball hoops for the school after the game. We played on their painted asphalt court with glass backboards on base. The tension or lack of trust between our players and the MONUC team was evident. Tried to calm their emotions and focus their minds on the game. Difficult, as I questioned some of the calls made. By the end I believe the Indian referees sensed my own displeasure. Feelings developed reminiscent of the discrimination and segregation between cultures in America. But after, it appeared more as difference or lack of knowledge in rules of the game. Not sure.
Though, a part of me found it hard to swallow the following ceremonial donation of the wood planked basketball hoops, I submitted to a sense of sincerity from the opposing team players and the commanding officers. Moreover, I was wrapped up in the atmosphere that the game created. A team of 7 young men, limited or no opportunity to practice, busting their balls on the court, while mentally battling the lack of trust for the opposing team and presence of the force. They weren’t alone, however, as the rest of the student body courageously cheered and encouraged us despite our defeat. We're thankful for the relationship established with the INDBATT and hope for the same interaction from other battalions.)
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