The Cell Out

The Cell Out

Join the global CELL OUT, an organized cell phone usage boycott from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on the Wednesday of Congo Week, to bring awareness of the Congo conflict over natural resources. The struggle over control of the mineral coltan, used in many electronic devices, has caused many Congolese deaths since 1996.

Why the Cell Out matters

  • Nearly 6 million people have died in the Congo since 1996 due to a scramble for Congo’s spectacular natural resources.
  • Coltan is a key source of conflict in the Congo. It is a mineral widely used in numerous electronic devices, such as cell phones and game consoles (Microsoft X-Box and Sony PlayStation). Rebel militias and foreign forces mine it illegally in the Congo, then sell it to multinational corporations.
  • The boycott is to bring awareness to the war in the Congo, which started in 1996 and continues to this day, with 45,000 people dying each month. You are invited to support us in our endeavor to raise awareness about the atrocities taking place in the Congo over natural resources.

What do I do during the boycott?

  • TURN YOUR PHONE OFF from 12:00-1:00 pm on the Wednesday of Congo Week. No texting!!!
  • Change your voicemail to reflect the message below:
    “Today I join the Congo Week Cell Out from 12–1 pm. I am turning off my devices to call attention to the violent conflict fueled by minerals used in electronics. Learn more: globalministries.org/congo_week”

What can I do to help?

  • Raise awareness and mobilize support on behalf of the people of the Congo
  • Visit Congo Week for more background and ways to take action.