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Protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga
What do the Rangers think of Obama?
As you can imagine the news of the Obama victory has spread far and wide, and it has not escaped the ears of our Rangers here in Virunga. Even though Rangers and their families have been displaced and are embroiled in this major crisis in eastern DR Congo - all are still aware of what is going on on this historic day in US history.
One reason for this is that with no TV or newspapers in Goma, people listen to the radio - all the time. It is commonplace to see people walking, or sitting, or chatting, with a small portable radio stuck to their ear. There are several radio stations here, including RTNC and Radio Okapi (funded and run by the Monuc). Bottom line is people are incredibly well informed given the circumstances.
So what does everyone think about this Obama win? Here are some comments I thought you may be interested in:
Ephrem Balole: “For Africans an Obama victory makes us proud, and we are still amazed that an African-American has reached the highest level of US government. I hope that it will boost the confidence of Africans around the world.
In terms of my country, I hope that people in general will be more aware of what is going on in Africa and that the new President of America can promote peace throughout the world, including here.“
Balemba: “This win is a big honor for Africans. It shows what Africans can do and that there is great potential on this continent. It has been several weeks of enormous suspense, but I have been following events very closely. One of the Rangers at the camp just called me and said “HEY! Do you know the new President of America is black?!”“
Eddy: “This means a huge change for us throughout the world. Especially in people’s hearts and minds. At the moment everyone is celebrating on all continents. And for the Americans it is a big step in their democracy. It shows that their democracy works. For Congo I am not sure what difference this new President will make on a practical level but in people’s minds there will be a change.”
Norbert Mushenzi: “We are very happy that Obama has won. I was not expecting it as I thought in the end he may simply not make it. But with Iraq and the economic mess, this is a positive step. It also shows democracy at work in the USA. “
Innocent: “All of us Rangers are happy that Obama has won. I have been following the election in recent weeks on the radio. I hope that peace comes to the world, and that he can help us solve the problems in Congo. We need international help.“
Joel: “Obama’s victory is a victory for Africa. It almost seemed unthinkable before. But beyond that we need to look at his foreign policy and that of the Democrats. We need to find a political solution to the war in eastern DR Congo and this requires fair and just international intervention.”
What do you think an Obama victory means for the region? Will it contribute to ending the war in eastern DR Congo?
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18 Responses to “What do the Rangers think of Obama?”
Congretulations to OBAMA and hope he will keep in mind what he said about unity of people. He will have a look at Africa problems such as which is happened in DRcongo .
It is a historic day for the world! The first black president entering the White House, well that is was I call CHANGE. I am sure there are more changes to come. I feel proud of all Americans for yesterday they have celebrated democracy in peace and joy.
I voted for Obama yesterday and am definatly proud to be an American, I know he will bring about the change we desparately need!
Fantastic news!! Like Eddie says above “This means a huge change for us throughout the world. Especially in people’s hearts and minds”… hopefuly this will spar revitalizing change!
Obama’s win is a victory for ALL Americans. I hope that he will restore the US to a more positive world role. Also, those of us involved in animal issues know him as sympathetic to our cause. I hope with this and his African roots that it might mean good things for wildlife everywhere.
Hello Samantha! I just read on http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601116&sid=a2.0zjNqELVA&refer=africa that the missing 22 rangers have been found. Is this true? Did I miss a blog? Please let me know! Iris
Actually, Bloomberg says: ” the last of the 23 rangers who disapperead” have been found…
I have just returned from a historic celebration of Obama’s victory, I, too, hope his election will give him the inspiration to make a stand in the appalling situation you are facing. In the meantime, please stay safe, we are all thinking of you, your bravery, hard work and, of course: the wonderful Gorillas along with all the other wildlife that you fight so hard to protect.
Hi Iris. We feel very confident that the missing Rangers are all accounted for. There are still a couple of things we need to check as in all the confusion it is easy to get misinformation, which is why we have not posted yet. Plus people’s cell phone batteries ran out ages ago so it is hard to reach people in Rutshuru and Kiwanja to the north of Rumangabo. And now the fighting has started up there again between CNDP and the Mai Mai. As soon as we are 100% sure that the Rangers are okay you will all be the first to know. Promise.
A brighter day has come! No doubt! I voted for Obama yesterday and I am very, very proud and excited about the future of America and the world. Obama is someone that I believe will work hard to bring peace to the world. He will unite and use diplomacy as the first priority, thereby setting an example for the rest of the world. He has been chosen by the people of the United States. He is who we want to represent us in the world. I could not ask for a better man. He is someone I am proud to have my sons look up to. I am proud to be an American today.
Thank you, Samantha, I understand, and will try to wait patiently for the good news; the rangers have been in my thoughts since they had to leave Rumangabo. I’m sad to hear that some fighting has broken out again but hope fervently that it will not continue. About Mr. Obama’s victory in yesterday’s election – early this morning I received a one-word text message from my daughter who lives in Arizona: “whoohoo!” and agree wholeheartedly! Iris
It is interesting how closely the rangers are following the US election. With all the chaos that has engulfed their lives, it is heartening that they still see the local-global connections. I wish more people in the US had that understanding and perspective.
Bah humbug!
I applaud the people of the USA in electing Obama as their Commander in Chief. However… as the mass media are busy elevating him onto a pedestal that reaches through into the stratosphere, a point best remembered is that his first, main and only real priority while in office is the well-being of the his people (that’s USA btw) and its interests, especially during their own difficult times.
As the US have no major interest in DRC, it would be foolish to think it will bring real, immediate help to the region. Perhaps USAid will benefit, perhaps in the distant future he shall don the cap of intermediary as Clinton did in Northern Ireland, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.
On a more positive note, it does prove that establishments can and do eventually change. A thankful reminder from our friends in the US — there is always hope, and change is inevitable.
Thanks for sharing your reactions to Obama’s election. It is a fantastic thing that has happened. At age 59, I didn’t think it was something I would see in my lifetime. I think the most striking thing about Barack Obama is how he has been able to reach out to all sorts of different people, no matter their race, religion, age, sex, economic status. I have great hope for the next four years.
During the last weeks of the election, with all that was going on with the rangers, I kept thinking that we, in the United States, needed to pay attention to what is happening in our country without forgetting that we are all part of one world, and must care for others as well.
Pat
it a great thing congratulations to him.
I agree with J’s comment that President-elect Obama is, first and foremost, the President of the United States. I’ve been somewhat confused all along by the notion that he’s a representative of Africa. He’s an American. If he weren’t then he couldn’t be President. I’m overjoyed that he won in an electoral landslide, and I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to bring about the change we all seem to want and need. But it is naive and misguided to expect him to rush to Africa’s aid as a priority of his presidency. That said, I believe that President-elect Obama has a more global view of American policies than any previous presidents, excepting President Clinton. It is that view that will allow us to fix our own problems in such a way that benefits the planet.
Just my .02, your mileage may vary.
s.
Hi! I sent a friend in the States, who’s very excited about the Obama result, a link so she could see what the Rangers thought of the news and she replied to say “and as some comfort to you (I hope), NPR - the national radio equivalent of the BBC here in the US, really outstanding reporting - has done many stories on the conflict happening there over the last month. NPR has a daily listening audience of 33 to 36 million.” I thought you would like to know this and that you are not forgotten. Best, Clare
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