The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Pygmy Genocide

How is the U.S. involved?

• The U.S. got involved by a mission called MONUC.

• They search for war criminals, protect the civilians, and help with the reconstruction of the country.

Work Cited

Who was involved?

• "About the Pygmies - Pygmy Survival Alliance." About the Pygmies - Pygmy Survival Alliance. Web. 13 May 2014.

• "Congo Civil War, Related Pygmy Genocide, and Prospects for World Peace."Contributor Network. Web. 13 May 2014.

• "Democratic Republic of the Congo « World Without Genocide - Working to Create a World Without Genocide." Democratic Republic of the Congo « World Without Genocide - Working to Create a World Without Genocide. Web. 10 May 2014.

• "Merciless Plight for African 'Pygmies' | Cultural Survival." Merciless Plight for African 'Pygmies' | Cultural Survival. Web. 13 May 2014.

• "Military." Republic of Congo Civil War. Web. 13 May 2014.

The Pygmy population:

• An ethnic group that lives in southeastern Africa
• Known for being very short (only 5ft tall)
• Lives in bands of 15-75 people
• Live mainly in forest areas

The Congolese Government and military

Why did it happen?

• There was racism between the Pygmy and other ethnic groups, mainly because they are different from other groups.

• People believe that they are "subhuman" and that they have magical powers.

• They are referred as "lower status" to everyone.

• Their low social status and lack of representation makes it hard for them to defend their land.

Introduction

The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Pygmy Genocide

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is an area in southeastern Africa that started to struggle after the Rwanda genocide when the Hutu tried to wipe out the Tutsi population for the death of the Hutu president in 1994. This caused major conflict between the government and many other ethnic groups including the Pygmy.

When did it happen?

By: Ashley Runge

3rd hour

• It happened after the Rwanda genocide of the Tutsi population in 1994 after the death of the Hutu president.

• After the Second Congo War in 1998 when the Transitional Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo took power.

What happen?

• After the war, the Congolese government decided to make a plan they called "ethnic cleansing" where they would exterminate many ethnic groups, including the Pygmy.

• The government claimed that their goal was to rid the jungle of the Pygmy population completely.

• There were many acts of violence between the Pygmy and the Congolese military such as shootings, rape and even victims of cannibalism.

• Many are still dying today.

Conclusion

The Pygmy are still treated poorly today, not only the government, but by many other groups in the southeastern area of Africa. Mainly for their appearance and their way of life. Unfortunately, this