Keep the date: Congolais (es) et amis du Congo-Amnesty International is inviting Mr. Etienne Tshisekedi — former Prime Minister of Congo, President of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, and current Presidential candidate for November 2011

Par Amnisty International

– For more than a century, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been plagued by regional conflict and a deadly scramble for its vast natural resources. Greed for Congo’s natural resources has been a principal driver of atrocities and conflict throughout Congo’s tortured history. Since the war began in August 1998, more than 5.4 million people have died in what is now known as the deadliest conflict since the second World War. This conflict has caused the most economic and political decline of the country.

Amnesty International is inviting Mr. Etienne Tshisekedi — former Prime Minister of Congo, President of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, and current Presidential candidate for November 2011 — to make a public address on the political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and outline his vision for the country going into the forthcoming presidential elections. He will speak about:

· the situation on the ground and what the United States can do to engage positively with the DRC during the run up to the elections and beyond.
· help raise awareness within the US policy community about events in the DRC and discuss ways of promoting credible elections in November 2011.

Due to the great magnitude of this event, we would prefer RSVP’s (to hannazhu@mit.edu) by Thursday, June 9th.
If you make the decision to attend after June 9th, RSVP’s would still be appreciated.
You are still welcome to attend if you do not RSVP; this may make accommodations more difficult.

Refreshments will be served.