The CIC is a Congolese movement, organized by Congolese and for the Congolese.  It was initiated at the behest of Congolese people living inside and outside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to work in synergy to address the biggest threats facing their homeland, and to bring about real change and a lasting peace in the DRC and with all nations.  In August, 2005 a group of Congolese met for the first time to discuss the situation which then prevailed in the DRC.  The unanimous consensus was that the DRC was under attack by many, including some neighboring states.  More important, a consensus view of the basic problem facing the DRC also emerged: “The Congolese leadership ignores civic and patriotic obligations; has mortgaged the future of the country into the hands of the unknown; they fail to take charge; and, are always reluctant to act in the national interest.”  These observations were true then and are truer still today.  This attitude of the current leadership, resigned to fate, always subject to the mercy and compassion of others and averse to taking charge of the national destiny continues to haunt us as individuals, not to mention as a nation.  This attitude, which is at the naked base of our lack of will and our failure to organize and agree on those questions which are larger than all of us, is now the basis for a cry of alarm to expose an opportunity for the Congolese self-affirmation and, above all, for the Congolese to take charge of their destiny and that of their country.  But this opportunity is fleeting.  If we do not act now; if we do not engage in what we should call the work of God, then the DRC will be unable to long defend itself against its many enemies.  It is this spirit of revival and renewed defiance, similar to that of an American civil rights organization, which motivates the CIC.  It seeks to coordinate the efforts and contributions of the Congolese for the protection of their homeland.  CIC also works with various organizations operating inside and outside our country (for example, human rights organizations, community development organizations, those promoting the interests of the young and women, etc) for the benefit of the DRC.