The River Congress

During the past week, the Gaanman summoned the chiefs of the Tapanahony to a major conference on gold mining rights. The problems of illegal gold mining by Brazilians have escalated recently, including pollution of the river with mercury used in irresponsible but easy refining, and rampant murder in the gold bush. To make matters worse, some chiefs have been taking bribes to protect the illegal activities. The event, centered in my village, is headline national news, and the Minister of Regional Development came to express his commitment to expel the illegal miners by force. As a result of the four-day conference, several chiefs were punished on charges of corruption, and continuing deliberation on what to do next is the principle subject of conversation.

In an earlier generation, the Ndjuka would meet every year for a congress known as “the River” to discuss issues and problems affecting all the villages. This was a unifying concept, and all the traditional leaders were held accountable in decisions made by the River. The congress dissolved, as common issues became national issues or disappeared. Perhaps this minor crisis will reestablish an old tradition.