Case Study: The Democratic Republic Of The Congo

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1. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a country with a vast amount of resources and potential, yet it has suffered greatly. It is important to look into the country with a full comprehension of its past, in order to fully understand its current status. DRC cultural domains will be examined beginning with history and myth, followed by family and kinship and finally the United States’ interest in DRC.

2. Beginning, in 1908, the then-Republic of the Congo (RC) was established as an official Belgian colony. By 1960, the RC had gained its independence. However, many early years of social and political instability has led to a long road of difficult development. Col Joseph Mobutu seized power as a self-proclaimed president in a
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Though it is clear that the DRC has been plagued by trouble, the country maintains a culture that is distinctly unique. In regards to family and kinship, traditionally the DRC is a patriarchal society; the man is the head of the household. However, respect between men and women are a high priority. The Congolese people hold respect as one of their most important values. That being said, they interpret respect and obedience nearly synonymously. Children should not question parental authority.

a. As for responsibility distribution with Congolese families, women are responsible for maintaining the home and looking after the children. Men are responsible for working and providing means to improve the family’s way of life. Children signify wealth and social security, thus the more children, the better. Raising children, though a motherly duty, is a communal responsibility where the extended family is expected to play large roles, especially during puberty. Cousins on the mother’s side are treated as
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Finally, one must consider the United States interests in the DRC. The US established diplomatic relations with the DRC post its liberation from Belgium in 1960. The U.S. foreign policy in the DRC is primarily concerned with aiding the country in becoming a stable, democratic nation, with state authority throughout its territory. This includes establishing peace with neighboring nations, and being able to appease basic humans rights and needs of the DRC citizens.

a. Specifically, U.S. policy is being directed to focus on the 2013 Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement. The Framework purpose is to the target the root cause of regional conflict and instability. The U.S. Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and the DRC are leading the implementation of the Agreement peace process. The U.S. is the largest donor in the United Nations efforts to stabilize DRC.

b. Additionally, US foreign assistance in the DRC aims to support economic growth and recovery. This includes improving agricultural productivity, and the effectiveness of health care and education. Also, promoting the enforcement of the law, and thus the power governmental institutions, enables the nation to protect its citizens from

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