Understanding Africa

[In response to “Come together now in Africa”, CMJ April 2005] It’s funny how people can generalize. Africa is a case in point. While much of the horror related in the media happened and is still possible, it remains that what happens in a given area does not occur elsewhere.

Take the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I would not advise anybody to go for a drive in its eastern part–namely Bunia, Kisangani and Bukavu, Goma areas–a disaster area where people shoot first and ask questions after. Besides, I would not rule out the possibility to end up, at least partly, in a saucepan. On the other hand, areas like Kasai and more specifically Katanga provinces are comparatively much quieter. Granted, it is not recommended to stroll, alone, at night, into the old native neighbourhoods (cits indignes), yet one can go about his business without being bothered.

Ren Coda Val d’Or, QC