Students and Community Organizers Launch Countdown to Break the Silence Congo Week

The United Nations says the conflict in the Congo is the deadliest in the world since World War Two. Since 1996, it is estimated that nearly 6 million people have died in the Congo due to conflict and conflict related causes. Throughout the past decade, Doctors Without Borders has consistently reported that the Congo conflict is one of the top ten most underreported stories in the world.

Student leaders and community organizers have responded to the silence surrounding the loss of life in the Congo by organizing throughout the globe to Break the Silence and raise awareness about the situation. They aim to mobilize young people and others in 100 countries and on 1,000 university campuses to participate in a global teach-in and week of activities from October 19 - 25, 2008.

Who: Key student leaders representing North Carolina A&T, Howard University, The University of Maryland, Bowie State, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Friends of the Congo and other supporters.

What: Launch of countdown to Break the Silence Congo Week, October 19 - 25, 2008

When: 10 a.m. - 12 noon, Monday, September 22, 2008

Where: National Press Club
529 14th Street, NW
13th Floor, Zenger Room
Washington, DC 20045

For more information about the Press Conference, please call Friends of the Congo at 202-584-6512 or email info@friendsofthecongo.org. Visit www.friendsofthecongo.org or www.congoweek.org for more details.