The Foreign Service Journal, January 2004

Lesser-Known Tragedies I found some other casualties of war among the mentally dis- turbed imprisoned at Papa Kitoko’s clinic and church on the outskirts of Luanda. I went on a Sunday, and from the street I could see the patient-parish- ioners swaying and clapping to the music of a church service. What I could not see until I went inside was that some of them were in chains. Kitoko’s facility was the only one dealing with Angola’s mentally disturbed at that time in 1997. The government had given him a battered ambulance with which he cruised the streets, picking up anyone acting strangely. Many of his patients were, in fact, former soldiers who were said to be violent. At the clinic, Papa administered his own concoctions of herbs and roots, and chained the patients to things like bed frames or scrap auto parts and other heavy objects like truck transmissions or wheel hubs, which they dragged behind them as they meandered around the court- yard of the compound. It was not a pretty sight. Parts of the compound were unroofed, exposed to the blister- ing sun. Human waste lay about the yard. But perhaps most distressing was the chained man leaning against a wall, who muttered repeatedly in a soft voice that he had been snatched off the streets and deprived of his liberty against his will. Regrettably, I could only tell his story. But that is how VOA correspondents make a differ- ence. F O C U S 34 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 4 Regrettably, I could only tell his story… but that is how VOA correspondents make a difference. You know that intimate, boutique all-suite hotel that everyone wants to find? The one that has cutting-edge style and service, but is still reasonably priced? You just found it! • Located minutes from State Department Headquarters • Government per diem accepted all year • Newly Renovated suites with full kitchens • Visit our new restaurant “Dish” For more information please visit www.theriverinn.com or call (202) 337-7600. L OTS OF S TYLE , N OT A LOT OF P R I CE 9 2 4 2 5 T H S T R E E T , NW W A S H I N G T O N , DC 2 0 0 3 7 Interim Accommodations for Corporate and Government Markets Apartments, Townhouses & Single Family Homes “FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE” finder5@IX.netcom.com Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized Many “Walk to Metro” locations Pet Friendly 5105-L Backlick Road, Annandale, Virginia Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619 Executive Lodging Alternatives