Transition Initiatives Home » About Transition Initiatives » Country Programs » Summary of Program Activities » Lessons Learned » Publications » Staff » Employment » Links » Frequently Asked Questions » Site Map »
	OTI / Democratic Republic of Congo Home USAID in Democratic Republic of Congo USAID Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Bureau U.S. Embassy Radio Okapi video (English) Program Summary English version Version française Country Reports Select a report... December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 January 2004 December 2003 November 2003 October 2003 September 2003 August 2003 July 2003 June 2003 May 2003 April 2003 March 2003 February 2003 January 2003 December 2002 November 2002 October 2002 September 2002 August 2002 July 2002 June 2002 May 2002   Fact Sheets TAP 2005 Version française CFR 2005 Version française Success Stories Select a story... February 2006 February 2006 February 2006 November 2005 November 2005 October 2005 October 2005 October 2005 September 2005 September 2005 August 2005 August 2005 July 2005 July 2005 June 2005 June 2005 June 2005 May 2005 March 2005 January 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 September 2004 June 2004 April 2004
	Advanced search... Search USAID Personnel... Search USAID Documents...

Democratic Republic of Congo Program

Version française

FY 2003 Budget - $4,700,000 (estimate) FY 2004 Budget - $6,900,000 (requested)

Background

Isolation between regions and villages is one of the impediments to Congolese involvement in the advancement of the peace process. After 40 years of near total neglect, the remnants of colonial infrastructure have collapsed. Remaining rebel forces live off the land, resulting in increasing levels of extortion and petty theft that have sharply inhibited the movement of people and goods. Rebels continue to block national commercial links (such as the Congo River) that cross their military lines. As a result, the free flow of people, goods, and information is challenged, thus hampering economic growth. This isolation is exacerbated by limited access to the remnants of the national television or radio networks or any public media since 1998. Scarce and inaccurate information facilitates the continued manipulation of the population by rumors and propaganda. Few opportunities exist for exchanging views, limiting the possibility of establishing a broader countrywide dialogue about the future of the Congo.

Program Goals and Objectives

GOAL: To enhance the informed participation of Congolese society in political and economic decision-making processes to contribute to a peaceful, unified, and democratic country.

OBJECTIVES:

• Increase availability and access country-wide to balanced information;
• I Increase public participation in informed dialogue on issues of national importance;
• Expanded and strengthened linkages between communities.

OTI's program strategy is divided into two components:

1. Radio Programming: OTI supports Fondation Hirondelle in its collaborative effort with the United Nations Mission in the Congo (MONUC) to increase the availability of and access to balanced information by expanding the Radio Okapi network and offering continuous, short wave and FM broadcasts. The station's local language (Lingala, Swahili, Tshiluba, Kikongo) programming provides the population with balanced information as the peace process advances, ensuring that Congolese are informed on progress made in the normalization of political and social life. Additionally, further support to Fondation Hirondelle will strengthen the connection between Radio Okapi and indigenous radio stations through the development of training and technical assistance activities and inclusion within the Okapi radio network. Lastly, OTI is supporting Search for Common Ground's Voices of Children project, which produces radio programs by children and for children. This program will address issues pertaining to youth and conflict. Voices of Children will strengthen the role that youth play in the development of their communities and enhance their contribution to national dialogues relevant to the peace process.
   
   
2. Small Grants: Approximately two-thirds of OTI's program budget is designated for the implementation of a small grants' initiative with CARE International. This initiative, Congo en Action pour la Paix (CAP), strategically provides grants to help civil society organizations to enhance their outreach and participation in the peace process, develop advocacy skills, and connect to like-minded organizations throughout the country and Diaspora. The initiative operates out of satellite offices based in locations strategic to the advancement of peace (Kisangani, Bukavu, Bunia) as well as Kinshasa. Through direct grants, both local and national groups are provided material and/or technical support. By supporting the peace process, this initiative aims to promote stability and connectivity, thus playing a key facilitative role in the reunification of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.