Congo files

Congo files shows the current situation of Congo citizens, specifically focused on the conflicts that took place in the region of North-Kivu in the first decade of the 21st century. The documentary deals with a wide range of serious problems in Kivu, such as attacks, rapes, child soldiers and glue-sniffing. An UN peacekeeping force called MONUC is present in the area, though they seem not to be able to control the situation.

Historical Interest

The documentary starts with historical footage of the independence of Congo and its aftermath, including images of Patrice Lumumba, his arrest and Joseph Mobutu.

Media Interest

The filmmakers accompany staff members of a radio channel, Radio Okapi, in Congo’s city Kinshasa. The journalists tell about the dangers of their work and how they deal with broadcasting horrible issues that happen close to home almost every day.

Scenes

Historical footage of Congo’s independence, Lumumba, his arrest and Mobutu
The documentary starts with historical footage of Congo’s declaration of independence, Patrice Lumumba and Joseph Mobutu. Also images of the arrest of Lumumba is included.
Mobutu meets President Nixon
This short scene shows a meeting in front of the White House between Mr. and Mrs. Mobutu and President Nixon and his wife.
President Mobutu declares on oath
As President of the Republic Mobutu declares on oath to respect the constitution and laws of the Republic of Zaire.
Journalist of Radio Okapi in Congo
Radio Okapi journalist Noella Luzitu Kabambi tells about her work as a journalist in Congo and the issues she has to deal with every day.
Journalist in Congo, a dangerous profession
Journalists of Radio Okapi tell about the limited freedom of the press in Congo. They express their fears of being a journalist in such an unstable country.
Interview with Bosco Rwamahina, administrator of Rutshuru city
Administrator of the city Rutshuru in the north of Congo, Bosco Rwamahina tells about the situation in his city, which is much safer than Goma or Kinshasa according to him. In the next scene he appears to be responsible for horrific actions against people in Goma, men were killed, women and children raped.
A rape victim tells her story
A woman recalls in front of the camera the moment that her husband and youngest son were killed and she was raped. She identifies the administrator of Rutshuru, Rwamahina, as the person who gave orders to the men who raped her and her acquaintances.
Insecurity in refugee camp Kiwanja
Although next to a UN base , the refugee camp Kiwanja is certainly not a safe place. A refugee living in this camp tells about horrific events that took place, again under the command of Rwamahina of Rutshuru.
Last interview with Nkunda as leader of CNDP
This scene contains the last interview with Laurent Nkunda as leader of the CNDP. He defends his conviction to keep on fighting for justice in Congo. The next day he appears to be betrayed by his right-hand man Bosco Ntaganda.
Insight in rebel group Mai Mai
General Didier Bitaki explains how the Mai Mai works and what beliefs they stand for. He tries to make the choice of men joining the Mai Mai understandable.
Ex-child soldier Felix
Felix, an ex-child soldier, tells about the war and devastation in his country. Fortunately, he is no longer a soldier and tries to take part in normal life at school again. The Mai Mai, among others, is guilty of recruiting childs to fight in their struggle.
Glue-sniffing and alcohol drinking children and youngsters in Goma
This scene shows shocking images of another major problem in North-Kivu, namely the addiction of children en youngsters to glue-sniffing and whiskey.