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Humanitarian Crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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Humanitarian Crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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Portfolio #13

Natural and man-made issues have collided in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, spurring what the United Nations has deemed a “humanitarian crisis.” (UN)  Due to discord between the Congolese government and insurgent rebel groups, critical Ebola treatment centers in the North Kivu province have been “caught in the crossfire” of civil unrest. (Charlie Yaxley, UN)  Both the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and various so-called "self-defense" groups known as "Mai Mai" have carried out attacks on civilians and aid workers in the DRC. (NPR)

The effect of the conflict has been felt by both Congolese civilians and officials administering aid.  On November 27th, four response workers were killed and six more were left injured in a militant attack on an Ebola response coordination office in the DRC.  A community health worker was similarly killed in early November.  Such instances of violence has forced the UN to suspend aid programs until order is restored, leaving hundreds of thousands of Congolese without access to food, medical services, and other crucial resources.

The current struggles of the DRC are multifaceted and thus extremely hard to combat.  While the spread of Ebola, an extremely deadly virus, is a major concern, so is the prevalence of violence and civic disorder.  The UN World Health Organization warns that “new chains of transmission” of Ebola could be facilitated by the lack of security, which could lead the nation into further despair. (Christian Lindmeie, WHO)

Sources:
news.un.org/en/story/2019/11/1052441
www.scientificamerican.com/article/ebola-response-workers-killed-in-attacks-force-withdrawal-from-critical-drc-region/
www.reuters.com/article/us-congo-security-ebola/fatal-attacks-on-congo-clinics-risk-resurgence-of-ebola-epidemic-idUSKBN1Y31R4
www.npr.org/2019/11/28/783582331/it-was-unmistakably-a-directed-attack-4-ebola-workers-killed-in-congo

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Portfolio #12

Haiti has long struggled with a myriad of daunting challenges, ranging from political unrest to natural disasters.  The nation, situated upon the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, is the poorest in the Americas.  As a result, many Haitians do not have the opportunity or funds to pursue recreational activities.

Poor road conditions, rampant political violence, and general societal poverty have previously hindered the success of the Haitian national bicycling team, whose performances in major races have been less than stellar.  In the Caribbean Cycling Road Championships, Haitian cyclists have previously been disqualified before completing the route because they have trailed so far behind.  However, due to a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) initiative, prospects are looking hopeful for these athletes.  UCI funding provided twenty-three cyclists with quality equipment, the instruction of skilled French coach Yann Dejan, and a month of training in the French region of Brittany.

Despite some logistical issues stemming from the country’s political situation, the Haitian cycling team capitalized on the UCI opportunity.  Cyclist Ousline Georges’ success was particularly significant.  Winning the bronze medal in the U23 category, the 22 year old athlete became the “first Haitian ever to win a medal in the Caribbean Road Cycling Championship.” (Reuters)  Georges only become involved in the sport in the past year, and is a student and mother, making her victory even more impressive.

This PHOTO ESSAY illustrates the   journey of the team.

Sources:
www.reuters.com/article/us-haiti-cycling-widerimage/haitis-cyclists-brave-protests-and-poor-roads-in-race-for-gold-idUSKBN1XI1EO
www.haitilibre.com/en/news-28279-haiti-cycling-23-haitian-riders-prepare-for-the-cycling-championship-of-the-caribbean-nations.html

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Portfolio #11

Haitian art is quite distinct, often created with bright, vibrant colors and a laudation for the nation’s culture.  Owing to Haiti’s history of French colonization and exposure to foreign cultures, the country’s traditional art is a melange of African, French, and Indigenous Caribbean  influences.  Religion also affects artistic expression; the majority of the population follows syncretic belief system of Catholicism and Vodoun.  Artists often depict scenes of quintessential Haitian life, animals and landscapes, historical events, or biblical stories.  Art provides unique insight into the nation’s culture, history, and values, allowing observers to view the many different facets of life in Haiti through the perspectives of the artist.

Painting is perhaps the most prominent medium of Haitian art.  Bright colors are often employed, lending to works of eye-catching vibrancy.  Sculptures, both of wood and metal, also have a notable artistic presence in Haiti.  This form of art is specifically created to pay homage to Taino roots and express Vodoun culture.  More distinct to Haiti, flag-making uses brightly-colored sequins and fabrics to depict uniquely stunning expressions of traditional cultural characteristics.  Historically a Voudoun art form, these flags are stunningly ornate.

Art is found everywhere in Haiti, from urban infrastructure of Port-au-Prince to the traditional tap-tap buses that traverse the countryside.  Along with providing outsiders with an interesting look into the vibrant culture of Haiti, art is a means through which Haitians have celebrated, cherished, and expressed their history for centuries.

Sources
www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/in-haiti-the-art-of-resilience-53519464/
restavekfreedom.org/2018/05/17/why-the-arts-are-so-important-in-haiti/
indigoarts.com/galleries/haitian-folk-sculpture
https://www.goshen.edu/give/areas-to-support/union/hunsberger-haitian-art-gallery/

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"Two Flags" and the Unique Identity of Pondicherry, India

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"Two Flags" and the Unique Identity of Pondicherry, India

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Portfolio #8

Two Flags is a documentary by director Pankaj Rishi Kumar that explores the unique history, culture, and identity of Pondicherry, India.  The city was colonized by France until 1962, when the signing of the Treaty of Cession granted India sovereignty over the territory and offered French citizenship to the people living there. (Citizenship Order, 1962)  Around 4,000 people in the city are French citizens as a result, and have French voting rights and eligibility for certain social services from the French government.  Two Flags focuses on this unique political situation, looking at the 2017 French presidential election in particular.  The documentary also discusses the dynamic between French Pondicherrians and France.  Due to the generally rigid nature of the French language and culture, many Pondicherrians do not feel welcomed by French society.

Considering Two Flags from a filmmaking perspective, the documentary is not highly staged.  Kumar relies on unscripted, first-hand accounts to illustrate the political and cultural dynamics of Pondicherry.  Rather than being highly dramatized, the film is a fairly raw exploration of the situation.  Two Flags seems to be intended to educate rather than entertain.

The citizenship issue of Pondicherry is interesting politically, culturally, and historically, and the documentary provides an informative and genuine look at the perceptions of those in the midst of it.

Sources:
Kumar, Pankaj Rishi. "Two Flags." Film.
www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6b52dc.html
in.musafir.com/Blog/what-the-french-left-behind-in-pondicherry-architecture.aspx
https://shopraff.com/?p=2120&v=7516fd43adaa

Additional Resources:
The architecture of Pondicherry is a vibrant blend of French and Indian influences.  An Architectural Tour Of Pondicherry provides further information on this topic.

Present day map of Pondicherry

French plans for colony, 1741

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National Dishes Across the Francophone World

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National Dishes Across the Francophone World

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Portfolio #10

The Francophone world is incredibly diverse, encompassing a broad variety of ethnicities, histories, cultural characteristics, and geographic locations.  The vibrant melange of cuisines across French-speaking nations showcase differences and commonalities from culture to culture.

Of the Francophone nations, the food of France is arguably the most widely esteemed.  From croissants to crepes and baguettes to bœuf bourguignon, the country boasts a number of iconic dishes, including many of high culinary merit.  While the national dish of French has been debated, it is generally regarded as pot-au-feu.  This classic stew, the name of which translates to “pot-in-the-fire,” was proclaimed the “quintessence of French family cuisine” and “the most celebrated dish in France” by French chef Raymond Blanc. (Blanc, Tampa Bay Times)

Haitian food is distinct blend of French, Taino, and Caribbean influences, enhancing relatively simple ingredients with colorful spice combinations.  The national dish, griots with rice and beans, consists of marinated, boiled, then fried pork cubes served alongside the two aforementioned Haitian staple foods.  This flavorful recipe is commonly served as a street food.

Similarly, Senegalese cuisine is the product of many cultural influences, described by Pierre Thiam as “gloriously [melding] the old with the new, the native with the global.” (Thiam, The Kitchn)  The national dish is thiebou jenn, which is fish seasoned with vibrant blend of spices and served over rice and vegetables.

These three national dishes only capture a small fragment of Francophone cuisine, yet they are illustrative of the colorful variety of cultural influences.  Despite being located thousands of miles apart and bearing the traits of various cultures, all three are similarly stew-like dishes.

Recipes:

Classic Pot-au-feu Recipe

Haitian Pork Griot Recipe

Thiebou Jenn Recipe

Sources:
www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/national-food-dishes/
www.tampabay.com/features/fitness/traditional-french-stew-8212-simplified/1257173/?outputType=amp
www.caribbeanandco.com/national-dishes-of-the-caribbean/
www.thekitchn.com/five-dishes-from-senegal-and-a-122630

Pot-au-feu, France's national dish.

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Africa 2020: France's Intuitive to Cultivate Cultural Understanding

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Africa 2020: France's Intuitive to Cultivate Cultural Understanding

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Portfolio #9

In pursuit of “cultural diplomacy,” France will hold a Season of African Cultures in the next year.  (M. Franck Riester)  Africa 2020 will consist of a collection of events spanning over six months, providing the French a unique look at contemporary Africa through a variety of mediums.  Along with showcasing “creative endeavours,” Africa 2020 aims to introduce “cultural entrepreneurship initiatives” and “build cultural partnerships.” (Season of African Cultures in France: Africa 2020)  The season is to be pan-African in nature, including more than fifty Francophone and non-Francophone African nations.  Events will be held all over France and its territories.

The concept was first announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2017.  He noted the role of cultural understanding in unifying differences, which could benefit all involved in both diplomatic relations and civic interactions.  Bearing the ever increasing influence of globalization in mind, Africa 2020 strives to be “pan-African-French” by including a broad range of African cultures all across France. (Institut français)  The endeavor has been widely praised for its emphasis on discovering, exploring, and sparking dialog around diversity and cultural interactions.

Sources:
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/africa/cultural-exchanges/season-of-african-cultures-in-france-africa-2020/
uk.ambafrance.org/Culture-Minister-on-Africa-2020-cultural-season-and-heritage-cooperation
www.pro.institutfrancais.com/en/programmes-and-projects/africa-2020

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Portfolio #7

The people of Tunisia recently elected conservative former law professor Kaïs Saïed to the presidency.  As the only remaining democracy resulting from the Arab Spring, the northern African country’s legislative success has been a subject of much interest around the world.  Despite being a political newcomer and an Independent candidate, Saïed received a significant margin of victory with 75 percent of the vote.  Even so, many Tunisians worry Saïed’s lack of experience and  conservative Islamist beliefs could ultimately lead to political turbulence.

Historically, Tunisia was a protectorate of France from 1881 to 1956.  French is widely spoken, along with local dialects and Arabic, as a result.  Unlike other French conquests, the colonization of Tunisia was achieved through a treaty and executed without the overt brutality typical of such endeavors.  Although Tunisia did experience notable conflict between imperialist and independence-seeking forces, the country established the current strong democracy after Arab Spring uprisings of 2010.  Unlike many other Arab nations, Tunisia’s interpretations of Islamic law is quite modern, particularly in terms of women’s rights.

Although the election places Tunisia’s political future at a place of uncertainty, Saïed’s outward resistance to corruption and intellectual knowledge of constitutional law lead many Tunisians to be hopeful.  The country has endured many significant challenges and transitions to establish the current democracy, and the peaceful and inclusive nature of the recent election only emphasize Tunisia’s legislative abilities.

Sources:

www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/africa/tunisia/history-language-culture/

www.britannica.com/place/Tunisia/History

slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/10/saied-tunisia-arab-spring-democracy-presidential-election.html

www.france24.com/en/20191014-conservative-kais-saied-elected-president-of-tunisia-with-72-71-percent-of-vote

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Portfolio #6

Whether sweet or savory, crêpes, and galettes of the savory variety, are a quintessential food of France.  Somewhat similar to a very thin pancake, crêpes can be filled with anything from fresh fruit to fine cheese.  Some popular fillings include Nutella, a rich chocolate hazelnut spread, and powdered sugar; fresh or preserved fruit and whipped cream; and meat and goat cheese dishes.  Along with these classic recipes, the ease with which crêpes can be modified has allowed for much culinary creativity.  From smoked salmon to decadent chocolate amaretto, just about anything can be, and likely has been, put into a crêpe!

Crêpes are traditionally made with wheat flour, milk, and eggs.  The batter is poured onto a hot plate and spread out, resulting in a golden, paper-thin pancake.  Fillings are then rolled or folded inside.

The origins of the crêpe can be traced back to the 11th century.  The recipe was first made first made in the Bretagne region of western France, known to English speakers “Brittany.”  Although countless variations have arisen throughout the centuries, crêpes have remained a widely enjoyed stable of French cuisine.

Some traditional and unique crêpe recipes can be found here.

Sources:
brit.co/creperoundup/
epicureandculture.com/french-crepe/
www.bluefox.travel/paris/blog/history-of-crepe/#targetText=Brittany%20or%20Bretagne%20in%20French,create%20a%20round%20thin%20crepe

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Portfolio #5

The history of Haiti is marked by turbulence, conflict, and discord, as the country has struggled to develop political, economic, and civil stability.  Nonetheless, the Caribbean nation has developed a vibrant culture throughout the centuries, resulting in a unique fusion of African, French, and Taino influences.

Haiti was originally inhabited by indigenous groups, most prominently the Taino, until the French acquisition in the late 17th century.  The French developed plantation agriculture over the course of the 1700s, building a thriving economy through the labor of more than 500,000 African slaves.  The colony’s societal hierarchy was based upon race; slaves were forced into endless toil and experienced horrific treatment, often resulting in serious injuries of death.  A number of slaves fled into the island’s dense mountains, forming guerrilla-style groups called “Maroons” and carrying out periodic raids on plantations. (Encyclopædia Britannica)  Distinct cultural traits emerged from the Maroons, as various African cultures merged with French influences, with Vodoun among the most pronounced.  This form of syncretic religion quickly rose to prominence amongst the colony’s enslaved, igniting a spark of resistance in many and helping to precipitate the Haitian Revolution of the late 1700s.  While the massive slave revolts ultimately resulted in Haiti’s independence from France in 1804, the civil discord of the island was far from over.  Lacking skilled workers, economic prosperity, and any form of governmental structure, Haiti has continued to experienced rampant political upheaval to date.

Sources:
www.britannica.com/place/Haiti/The-Haitian-Revolution
aculty.webster.edu/corbetre/haiti/history/course/unitone/short.htm
www.haiti.org/happy-haitian-independence-day/

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Although France is known for iconic Parisian landmarks, ornate architecture, and charming towns, the country boasts plenty of natural wonders as well.  France’s nine national parks, seven of which are within the French mainland, encompass chains of towering mountains, miles of Mediterranean coastline, and a vast array of diverse biomes.  Established formally in 2006, the national park system covers just over 2% of the land surface.  The parks are concentrated in the southern half of the country, where the terrain is more mountainous, and often contain quaint villages.

France's national parks offer an abundance of opportunities for outdoor exploration and recreation.  Located in the bucolic French Alps, Écrins National Park harbors over 100 different mountain peaks with over 700 kilometers (about 435 miles) of hiking trails.  The tallest mountain in the region, and the second tallest in France, is Barre des Écrins, which stands at over 13,000 ft elevation.  Along with hiking and mountaineering, many of the parks offer other outdoor recreation.  An array of ski resorts surround Vanoise National Park in the Pyrenees region, while kayaking and swimming are popular pastimes along the coastal wilderness of Calanques National Park.

Additional images here.

Sources:
www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/jun/29/10-best-national-parks-in-france

uk.france.fr/en/news/article/national-parks

www.ultimatefrance.com/holidays/ecrins-national-park

theculturetrip.com/europe/france/articles/where-to-ski-in-the-french-pyrenees/

www.francethisway.com/places/marseille-calanques.php

Écrins National Park

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From croissants to canelés, pastries are a quintessential element of French cuisine.  Along with being widely enjoyed in France, which boasts over 35,000 bakeries, the popularity of French pastries have transcended borders, gaining much international reverence.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Emerging from Italian influences, the macaroon has remained popular in France since the 16th century.  The recipe has been fine-tuned and expanded upon, resulting in a wide array of creative flavors and colors.  The croissant has similarly foreign origins.  Although the precise history is unknown, historians have deduced that the pastry derived from the crescent-shaped Austrian kipfel.  The French have created variations of the classic recipe, adding chocolate or almonds to the flaky dough.  A modern adaption even merged the croissant with a doughnut, resulting in the aptly named “cronut.”  The éclair is yet another highly esteemed product of France.  In its original form, the pastry is filled with cream and topped with rich chocolate icing.

Whether sweet or savory, topped with chocolate, or filled with fruit, the French have developed a broad range of decadent pastries.  Michelin Guide contends the country has “art of pastry-making down to a science,” an assertion with which legions of people from all around the world would undoubtedly agree. (guide.michelin.com/us/en/washington/washington-dc/article/features/8-types-of-french-pastries-you-must-know)

Sources:
www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/croissant-really-french-180955130/
archive.jsonline.com/features/food/12-facts-and-figures-about-the-beloved-french-croissant-b99303212z1-266613471.html
theculturetrip.com/europe/france/articles/guide-best-french-pastries/
guide.michelin.com/us/en/washington/washington-dc/article/features/8-types-of-french-pastries-you-must-know
au.france.fr/en/news/article/french-pastry

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Use of Drones Revolutionizing Healthcare in Rwanda

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Use of Drones Revolutionizing Healthcare in Rwanda

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The borders of science are quite literally being transcended in Rwanda, as drones are utilized to deliver vital medical supplies to hospitals in the sub-Saharan African country.  Collaborating with the government to create a nearly instant nationwide delivery system of blood products, American start-up company Zipline has bypassed the geographic obstacles of “The Land of a Thousand Hills” to bring rural hospitals the supplies necessary to optimally practice medicine.  The impact has been nothing short of remarkable, revolutionizing the ease and accessibility of medical resources in remote areas of the developing country.  Operations are expanding.  Zipline’s Rwandan success serves as a blueprint for other countries seeking quality healthcare on a national scale, including other African nations as well as northern regions of Canada.  Keller Rinaudo, the co-founder and CEO of Zipline, believes this pioneering service “will enable us to achieve 100 percent access to healthcare for every human on the planet.”  The use of medical drones have saved nearly 20,000 lives thus far, and expansion of the service will allow medical science to soar to new heights.

Note on Rwanda:  Language has undergone various transition in Rwanda, largely due to the genocide that occurred in the 1990s.  However, Rwanda is a member of "The International Organisation of La Francophonie" and French is widely spoken throughout the country.  This link and this link provide more information on Rwanda's Francophone status.

Sources:
www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/03/10/592059175/medical-cargo-could-be-the-gateway-for-routine-drone-deliveries
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5780273/
www.time.com/rwanda-drones-zipline/
www.flyzipline.com/
www.cnbc.com/2018/05/22/biggest-delivery-breakthrough-since-amazon-prime.html

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The Ramifications of Cameroon's Language Divide

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The Ramifications of Cameroon's Language Divide

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The Central African country of Cameroon has long harbored cultural, ethnic, and linguistic divides, due to its turbulent history as well as the various imperial influences upon it.  Originally encompassing hundreds of ethnic tribes, the region was colonized by Germany from the late 1800s up until World War II, when French and English forces pushed the Germans into exile.  As a result, Cameroon came to embrace the languages and cultural traits of both England and France, which gradually merged with traditional African influences into a distinctive culture.  Although Cameroon became an independent state in 1960, the country has remained torn between the French and English languages for decades.  The longstanding linguistic tensions spilled over into conflict in recent years, as English-speaking insurgent groups have demanded independence from the French-speaking majority.

Though language clashes have diminished the economy, national identity, and overall standard of living, the most severe inflictions of the "Anglophone Crisis" has arguably been on Cameroon's children.  In an attempt to bar the next generation from French influences, separatists have waged a war on education, going as far as to carry out lethal attacks on teachers and pupils.  The violence is a direct response to the government's order for French to be taught in schools.  As a result, schools have remained shut for four consecutive years, depriving hundreds of thousands of Cameroonian children of basic education.  Along with the trauma children will likely experience from living under a veil of heightening political conflict, experts warn that the linguistic divide's impact on education could lead to country to a dire future.

Sources:

www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-49529774

www.britannica.com/place/Cameroon
www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/world/cameroon-anglophone-crisis/?noredirect=on