“Lots of concerns were raised–and objections. But I said this is something I want to do. And we’re going.”
— Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State, on her decision to visit the eastern-Congo city of Goma on Tuesday. Goma was at risk of rebel takeover last year, and during her visit Clinton will meet with several women who are victims of rape–a devastating consequence of the conflict. Goma’s geography is also a threat: Its mountainous locale makes landing aircraft difficult–there have been several fatal crashes in recent years. But Clinton insists the urgency of her mission outweighs the danger. –Jessica Shambora