Whenever I read a story with news like this:
"Rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have taken a major border post after clashes with government troops...."
I think about a visit to a safari camp in Uganda a few years back, just near the border with Congo. It was small, only ten tents and the proprietor, a stereotypical grizzled white African character I'll call Dave, said he'd take out three of the tents and only have seven if he had his way but he was only working for the man, just like everybody else.
This place was down along a river, nice location. Oil had been discovered in the ground nearby, but recently enough that not a lot had been done yet; They were still mobilizing to get at it. Just over a ridge was the Congo border.
A four-wheeler drove up and Dave went to see. Came back after a while and told us it was the head of military intelligence for this sector. Said he drops by to buy a beer now and then, but of course the beer's on the house. The military man makes every visit a "family visit" (Dave sticks quotes up in the air). This time he brought his wife, last time his sister.
I give them some beers, maybe a bite, and we visit a half hour, Dave says. Even though you have to do it, it's not a bad idea. I mean, it's calm over there now (thumb in the direction of the DRC), but it only takes them three or four days to cook up a civil war.
Not that this isn't the safest place you can be, right here. Because it is, he thinks. They've got all the oil guys here. They've doubled the military presence. Never be the same. Still, it's good to have a phone number for the head of military intelligence.
•••••
More photos in the Uganda Gallery at EarthPhotos.com.
