Community and Knowledge Creation: CSA offers a community for people who have a commitment for the upliftment of the Congo and who aim to produce informed, grounded and purposeful knowledge on Congo. We link academics and practitioners working in multiple institutions and offer a space for sharing, collaboration, and publication. We offer a counter narrative to the often distorted knowledge on the Congo and uplift the work of Congolese scholars and advocates. CSA members have also advocated in policy spaces and offer analysis that can inform U.S. and Western foreign policy toward the Congo.
Scholarship and Promotion of Congolese Studies: CSA members hold a deep interest in enhancing the quality of teaching about Congo in American and Western universities, and increasing the resources invested toward African and Congolese Studies. CSA members bring expertise in a range of disciplines, including history, political science, literature, religion, civil society movements, international development, gender, the arts, conflict resolution, anthropology, among others. CSA members have also published on numerous themes related to the Congo. We support colleagues in their publication journeys, and provide a platform to promote new works.
Mentorship: CSA offers a space for new scholars to engage with CSA members to receive feedback and strategic inputs to their work. CSA members bring a range of networks, and deep experience with fieldwork, and deep experience in academia and international development.
Forums: CSA hosts discussion forums to bring members together around key issues of interest throughout the year. We have hosted webinars on the legacy of Patrick Lumumba, and on the initiatives of Congolese women. We are open to suggestions from members for future topics. We hold a virtual general membership meeting three times per year.
Newsletter: CSA has produced an online newsletter that features articles written by CSA members. Topics include new scholarship and research initiatives, current politics and analysis on the Congo, new publications, advocacy and community initiatives, trip reports, and other topical issues. We aim to publish twice a year, and welcome volunteers to produce the newsletter and to contribute content.
University Partnerships: CSA members have contacts with professors in Congolese universities and have engaged in partnerships. We seek to be a resource to strengthen higher education in Congo, and offer a space for scholars in Congo to meet Congolese scholars in the Diaspora. We are actively seeking to formalize partnerships in Congo. To date, we have collaborated with the University of Kinshasa, University of Lubumbashi, and Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (Beni), and Université Bâtissons l’Espoir au Centre de l’Afrique (UBECA, in Dungu). If possible, we share information and resources to contribute to reinforcing academic programs in Congo.
Civil Society Partnerships: Andrée Blouin Cultural Center; Africa Initiative Programme (AIP); Bilenge Bwanya Ya Congo; Congo Love; Friends of the Congo, and more.
