We traveled down dirt roads near the town of Beni, in eastern Congo, close to the Ugandan border. Militias are active in the region, so our group was protected by an armed escort. Interactions at checkpoints along the road are unpredictable. In the town of Beni itself, a curfew is imposed each night at sunset.

Nearly all the homes in the area are within a few kilometers of the main road. Venturing further into the jungle is to risk attack. Women can be kidnapped and used as porters or sex slaves.

Conflict takes a toll on lives, but also on livelihoods. There is no employment in this part of the Congo other than agriculture. But decades of war helped destroy coffee production, once the main cash crop. Insecurity also makes it risky to forage in the jungle for bananas and other fruit.

But hope has come in an odd form: the world’s appetite for chocolate. Cocoa grows well in this part of the world. It can be cultivated by cooperatives, in safer areas, using environmentally sustainable methods. An even when the rebels come, they don’t steal the cocoa, which isn’t useful to them. In the Congo, cocoa isn’t just a cash crop. It is a survival crop –- a particularly resilient form of agriculture.

I was traveling to the region with the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), a grant-making organization founded by actor and director Ben Affleck and supported by important foundations. Ben has made eastern Congo the focus of his activism and philanthropy, earning tremendous respect from his local partners. Together –- along with Ben’s delightful mother Chris, a teacher who lives in Massachusetts -– we visited a number of cocoa farms and production facilities.

ECI is helping in two ways. It supports a partner named Greenhouse, which teaches farmers the proper techniques for growing and processing cocoa. The process is relatively complex. Cacao trees are grown in the shade. Its fruit is opened to reveal milky white seeds, which are fermented in vats before being dried. Getting each stage of production right requires training.

But an agricultural commodity needs a market. So, ECI has helped connect Congolese cocoa farmers with a Seattle-based company called Theo Chocolate. Its Founder and CEO, Joe Whinney, accompanied us on the trip. Theo sells chocolate in more than 4,000 retailers, including Whole Foods.

Joe takes a socially conscious approach to business, making sure that his supply chain is ethical and transparent. But he also pushes hard for farmers to increase quality -– particularly in fermentation and drying -– which is essential to a premium chocolate company and the key to higher incomes for farmers. Joe believes that Congo cocoa is some of the best in the world. “The cocoa here is exquisite,” he told me. “It tastes like brownies smell in the oven.” Theo Chocolate has pledged to purchase all the quality cocoa produced by local cooperatives.

So far, Greenhouse has helped organize 19 cooperatives, which benefit families including about 11,000 people. The daily income for farmers producing quality cocoa will increase from about a dollar a day to $2 or $3. Doubling or tripling their income will allow farmers to purchase metal for the roofs of their sheds, or to provide dowries for their daughters. Most of the cocoa farmers we spoke with also mentioned that increased income would pay school fees for their children.

This is not only a success story in the making; it is model for development. “So much development,” Joe says, “is like pushing on a string. Market demand is what pulls the string.” Farmers who produce marketable products are taken permanently out of extreme poverty. They find independence, self-sufficiency and dignity -– the ultimate goals of development. “This is one of the best ways to invest in Africa’s future,” argues Ben Affleck. Joe makes the point with typical enthusiasm: “Cocoa can save the world.”

Mrs. McCain, who recently signed on as a founding member of ECI, joins inaugural ECI supporters Howard G. Buffett, Humanitary United, Bridgeway Foundation, Laurene Powell Jobs and Google. ECI, an advocacy and grant-making initiative that works for and with the people of eastern Congo, tackles four main areas: support for vulnerable youth, support for victims of sexual violence, income generation projects and local peace and reconciliation programs.

Why the focus on Eastern Congo? Here’s a few facts from ECI’s website:

Check out ECI’s website and be sure to watch the video in the player above.

Coltan is now one of the world’s most precious materials. It is required for the production of tantalum, a vital ingredient in electronic circuitry. These minerals can be found in all kinds of electronics ranging from computers, cell phones and home appliances.

The result is an international tantalum market worth about $2 billion annually. But the price of the coltan mining industry in perpetuating human misery for millions of Congolese people is immeasurable. As these items fly off of store shelves this holiday season, at least some of our money will be contributing to the pockets of companies who have continue to source Coltan in the DRC and who lobbied –- and are still lobbying –- these new against disclosure laws. More importantly, we will be financing a lucrative war that is plagued by human rights abuses.

In an effort to end human rights violations and rape in the Congo, the United States Congress has taken steps to expose those profiting from conflict. This summer, the Brownback Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act passed in the Senate. According to The Globe and Mail, it is set to take effect in the coming months, and features a clause that would pressure companies to disclose where they are buying minerals, including Coltan’s derivatives. This new transparency will allow consumers to trace the origins of their electronics equipment.

Through educational global campaigns and conscious consumerism, we can fight atrocities and compel companies to source their products in responsible ways. Many conscious consumers have taken action to influence electronics industry leaders, as they weigh whether or not to invest in making their supply chains transparent and producing verifiably conflict-free products by declaring their commitment to purchase conflict-free electronics.

To learn more about other kinds of conflict minerals, view The Globe and Mail’s multimedia slideshow, “The face of conflict minerals.”

Photo courtesy of UCLA’s African Studies Center.

As 2011 approaches, most Africa observers are buzzing about the highly-anticipated January referendum in Sudan, where the South Sudanese will vote on whether or not Southern Sudan becomes Africa’s first new state in nearly 20 years.

But a second vote is also on the horizon in 2011, in a setting that is equally troubled and just as critical to US interests: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Presidential elections (the second since the end of the civil war) are tentatively scheduled for November 2011, and local elections are being proposed for 2012 to 2013.

Earlier this week, Ben Affleck and the Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS) hosted a panel of DRC experts and influentials to draw attention to what they believe is a window of opportunity opening up in DRC. Mr. Affleck and Jennifer Cooke, CSIS’s Africa program director, were joined by Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs Johnnie Carson, Senator-elect John Boozman, former USAID mission director for DRC Anthony Gambino and Senator John Kerry for closing remarks.

The discussion coincided with the release of a white paper commissioned by Ben Affleck’s organization, the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI), which calls for the US to develop a more strategic, comprehensive policy for US engagement in Congo. The US is currently drafting a plan to “promote peace and security in the Congo,” which white paper authors Spyros Demetriou and Salamah Magnuson argue should include (among other things) reappointing a US special adviser to the Great Lakes Region (a position which has been vacant since Howard Wolpe’s term ended in August), developing a US whole-of-government strategy for the Great Lakes region, working to strengthen the relationship between the DRC’s government and the international community, and engaging the US advocacy community.

Demetriou, Magnuson and ECI argue that a more targeted, comprehensive strategy in DRC will enable the US to protect its own interests in the region, maximize its leveraging power within the international community and take a leadership role in meeting some objectives. These objectives include facilitating renewed political engagement, launching a strategy to protect civilians and supporting the Congolese government’s own reform efforts, efforts that they believe are critical to putting the Eastern Congo on a path toward long-term development and democratic consolidation.

The timing for such a call couldn’t be riper. Not only is Congo entering a period of potential political and institutional reform, the US government is in the midst of revamping its partnerships with developing countries through the implementation of the Presidential Study Directive and the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review. Home to a myriad of cross-cutting US interests, the DRC is, in many ways, one of the countries that could benefit the most from a more holistic, balanced and coordinated US strategy.

Senator Kerry addressed this point in his closing remarks, noting that while a variety of initiatives have recently been launched or proposed to improve US policy in the DRC, addressing everything from conflict minerals to violence against women, transformational change in the region will require a comprehensive approach.

“These are crucial efforts,” he said, “But ultimately, the violence that characterizes Eastern Congo is a symptom. It’s a symptom caused by the weakness of local governance, by the absence of security, by the absence of rule of law. So you’re really beginning at some basic fundamentals here. And if we continue to approach the problems of the Congo in a piecemeal fashion, I guarantee you -– nothing will change.”

Listen to Senator Kerry’s remarks and the full panel discussion. The white paper and Ben Affleck’s op-ed in the Washington Post are both available on the Eastern Congo Initiative’s website.

Photo courtesy of the UCLA International Institute

Labor unrest empties South African hospitals – The nationwide strike of public employees in South Africa has paralyzed hospitals and schools across the nation, undercutting major drives to combat AIDS and TB and to repair a deeply troubled education system. (Celia Dugger, New York Times)

U.N. Congo report offers new view on genocide – A forthcoming UN report states that the Rwandan military and their rebel allies massacred ethnic Hutus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the aftermath of genocide in Rwanda. (Howard French, New York Times)

Big Pharma not to blame in Africa, says director – The International Policy Network’s Alec Van Gelder argues that global health experts should demand more investment in health infrastructure and drug availability rather than blaming the patent rights of “Big Pharma” for Africa’s worsening health crisis. (Wall Street Journal)

UN Summit focuses on mothers and babies – The world can win the fight against AIDS, but it’s failing to save the lives of mothers and babies. That’s the message from a UN health summit in Melbourne this week focused on tackling the world’s greatest health problems. (Cathy Alexander, The Sydney Morning Herald)

Turning to censorship betrays South Africans– The Guardian slams the proposed laws restricting the media in South Africa, highlighting the media’s vital watchdog role, and arguing that the legislations smacks of diversionary tactics given the country’s other social and economic issues. (The Guardian)

AIDS patients hurt by South African strike – Doctors and activists say AIDS patients aren’t getting treated because of a nationwide civil service strike in South Africa, due to fears of getting caught in violence and miscommunication over whether government hospitals are open. (Donna Bryson, AP)

Mobile HIV Test Unit a Hit – A mobile HIV test unit in the Congo is proving successful in encouraging citizens to get tested for HIV. However, while more than 5,000 have been tested since late 2009, the care services for those who test positive are proving unsatisfactory, including access to drugs. (Arsène Séverin, IPS)

How Africa can become the next BRIC – Economist Jim O’Neill argues that South Africa is poised to be the first African member of the BRIC group of rising powers – Brazil, Russia, India and China – as long as they maintain a focus on transparency and strive to foster a healthy business environment. (Financial Times)

Investing in Africa is not for the faint-hearted’, says equity firm CEO – An expert of West Africa’s emerging markets, Ngozi Edozien argues that proximity – and not “briefcase investing” – is the key to success for investors looking to tap into Africa’s up-and-coming economies. (David McKenzie, CNN)

Green revolution possible in Africa with helps, says professor – Professor and agronomy expert, Gebisa Ejeta says that a green revolution in Africa is possible but only with considerable external assistance in overcoming obstacles such as lack of education and infrastructure. (Liezl Vercueil, Mail & Guardian)

Mbeki accuses summit leaders of abandoning Africa – Former South African president Thabo Mbeki has accused G8 and G20 Summit leaders of abandoning Africa and conveying a “message of despair” to the world’s poorest region. Mr. Mbeki, a key leader in earlier G8 plans to help Africa, said the summits demonstrated that Africa has been relegated to the sidelines of the global development agenda. This is a tragedy and a violation of the G8’s earlier commitments, he said. (Geoffrey York, The Globe and Mail)

Africa needs investment, not charity, says UN chief – Africa needs investment and partnerships, not charity, as its big economies begin to move and political stability emerges, UN chief Ban Ki-moon told the Gabon parliament Friday. The UN chief also emphasized that the World Cup has been good for the continent. Ban urged for the same enthusiasm for the football event to be shown in meeting the UN’s millennium development goals and maintaining peace and stability throughout the continent. (AFP)

World Bank increased commitment to Africa in FY2010 – The World Bank announced that their funding to Sub-Saharan Africa rose to $13.5 billion in 2010, a 28 percent increase from 2009. The bank also said it committed more than $72 billion this year to assist developing countries as the world faces a fragile and uneven recovery. “I believe it is critical that we are able to provide such strong support…in order to protect the poor and lay the foundation for recovery and growth,” said Robert B. Zoellick. (Tokunbo Adedoja, This Day)

DR Congo to get billions in debt relief from IMF – The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank announced a debt relief program worth $12.3 billion for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has made good efforts to reform its economy and governance in recent years. The news comes in the same week as the country marks the 50th anniversary of its independence. The UN has also rejuvenated its program in the country, saying its main focus is on stabilization. (BBC News)

The role of technology in development – A panel discussion hosted by The Guardian illustrates how simple, cheap technology, adapted to the local context, is helping to lift people out of poverty. Whether through low-cost irrigation pumps, revolutionary use of mobile technology or capital education reform pioneered by One Laptop Per Child (OLPC), technology is helping to challenge the status quo for the poor. “The world might be a tough place, but information can make it better,” said one Reuters executive. (Eliza Anyangwe, The Guardian)

“Canada’s debt relief program continues to support nations that have demonstrated a commitment to invest in the current needs of their citizens, even as they struggle with the debt burdens of their past,” said Minister Flaherty. “Today’s debt relief announcement will free up more resources that can be better invested in the health and education of the Republic of Congo’s citizens.”

To read the full release put out by the Canadian Department of Finance, click here.

Image from Department of Finance Canada website.

• Raise public awareness about the tremendous need in the region through highly targeted media and advocacy activities
• Drive policy change that increases United States and European government engagement in Congo
• Increase the quantity and quality of public and private funding that supports the communities and citizens of eastern Congo, providing local organizations and leaders with the necessary resources to heal and sustain their communities

When you have a minute, check out their great website that includes some background on the genesis of ECI, an interactive map of the region, and some profiles of the types of people the Initiative is focused on supporting.

A joint operation by Democratic Republic of Congo government troops and UN peacekeepers has seized control of Mbandaka airport from a local militia.

The airport in the north-western Equateur province was overrun on Sunday in clashes which led to the deaths of two UN workers and several civilians.

But some fighters are reported to be still at large so government and UN troops are trying to hunt them down.

Two rival ethnic groups have been fighting for local fishing rights.

This dispute is entirely separate from the unrest involving numerous armed groups in eastern DR Congo, which has drawn the world’s biggest peacekeeping operation to the country.

Mbandaka is the capital of Equateur province, where at least 100 people were killed in clashes between the Lobala and Boba communities last year, displacing an estimated 200,000 people.

Between 30 and 100 fighters were believed to have been part of Sunday’s attack.