Viral

KONY 2012 has exceeded 100 million views; attracting attention comparable to the likes of Brad Pitt, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé and Michael Jackson. My first reactions to the video were relief that people finally seemed to care about Africa and excitement that we can collectively do something to end their suffering. However, critics soon began condemning the organization responsible—Invisible Children—for mismanaging funds and even more damaging by promoting U.S. military intervention in Africa.

KONY 2012 is the prologue to a complicated and violent story. The Lord’s Resistant Army (LRA) has undoubtedly terrorized Central Africa for more than twenty years: operating in northern Uganda, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The LRA has caused hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes and thousands more have been kidnapped, raped and killed. LRA leader—Joseph Kony—has recently become the world’s most popular warlord.

Is KONY the only warlord? 

No, not even close, not even a little, not even at all. The LRA conflict involves a number of countries, international organizations and private businesses. Man’s desire for resources must not be underestimated. Diamonds, gold, cobalt and petrol are just a few of the regions costly treasures. In the past two decades, millions of Congolese have died either by the machete or the famine and disease that accompanies such greed: rebels seeking to benefit, businesses eyeing profits and countries struggling for power. Ultimately, it’s the innocent people that pay the price.       

A viral video whose sole purpose is to gain popularity can be dangerous without a well-informed audience. In other words, educate yourself on the issue and only then will you be able to understand its complexity and the potential consequences. Yes, the LRA is terrible and warrants its own demise, but at what cost? A history of intervention, particularly military, has its own price.  

As a former VOICA volunteer, I felt it important to share this story. When we serve in Congo, we do so with the help of those around us. Our community is comprised of the very individuals you read about in the news. They have suffered unimaginable loss and there can often be no words to say to friends who have lost brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, mothers or fathers. But what we can do is make ourselves aware of the conflicts, diseases and economic hardships that take lives: we must be drawn to compassion and compelled to action.

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  

« Ne sois point surmonté par le mal, mais surmonte le mal par le bien. »

We are all called. Romans 12:21