This Is Congo

In the period when violence flared in the mineral-rich region of Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we follow the stories of two civilians and a soldier. Mama Romance manages to get by selling minerals on the black market, a tailor seeks safety in yet another refugee camp—never leaving behind his sewing machine, which helps him and his family to survive—while the internationally famous Colonel Mamadou Ndade takes us into the midst of the fighting against the rebels. The charismatic Mamadou is seen by the people as a hero and symbol of hope. Audio excerpts from English-language news reports provide an explanation of the rapidly unfolding events. The fourth voice in this harsh story is that of an anonymous senior military officer, who testifies to the corruption and chaos in the army and government. Flashbacks outline the various causes of the DRC’s ongoing 20 years of horrific civil war. At the same time, we see the beauty and wealth of the country and its resilient inhabitants.