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Surviving Robbery, Extortion, Censorship In Congo 🇨🇩 DRC (
Рет қаралды 439,951
Күн бұрынCongo. The heart of Africa. A tragic, wartorn country that's never able to live up to it's potential. Due to it's turbulent past with brutal colonization by the Belgians under King Leopold, and also it's more violent recent history involving it's African neighbors, Congo is very wary of outsiders. It's extremely difficult to enter the country -- and also expensive. Something they don't tell you in any guidebook is the amount of money you need to prepare for bribes on the border.
Maybe I wasn't ready for the Congo DRC. I had always wanted to visit. I knew the country was home to beautiful jungles, mountains and rivers, and much of it was unknown. It's Africa's superstate: the country stretches from Tanzania in the east, almost to Nigeria in the west, and Zambia in the south. And it was on Congo's curiously shaped southern border that I decided to enter the country. I wanted to go to Lubumbashi, Congo's second largest city and a megacity in it's own right.
I had no idea just how insane the experience was going to be once I got there.
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Need a place to stay in Lubumbashi? Ornel has the best Airbnb in the city: airbnb.com/h/maishahouse
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Instagram: sabbatical.tommy
Patreon: / sabbaticaltommy
#sabbatical #congodemocraticrepublicofthe #africa
@SabbaticalTommy 6 ай бұрын
For better or worse, I believe this is the only full vlog of Congo's 2nd largest city on the internet. I now know why.
@makesnosense6304 5 ай бұрын
This "spy" argument is so dumb. If you were a spy, you wouldn't show the camera in the open like that.
@Craze4246 5 ай бұрын
It sucks. If they would be smart they would promote coming there instead of letting us know to never ever go!
@raymondcaylor6292 5 ай бұрын
Double Damn. It's hard to believe you went through the 1st ATM look about with continued possession of camera, phone, and wallet. I also assumed you would find your room ransacked when you got back to your hotel. That is one corrupt place.
@Anto-bb1nh 5 ай бұрын
Your one brave dude Stay safe bro
@funkymonkey8174 5 ай бұрын
Please be safe nobody wants to see anything bad happen. You and your content are good enough without having to take major risks. We appreciate it nonetheless.
@Spodeboy 5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Tommy for visiting Congo so we don't have to.
@valuetraveler2026 5 ай бұрын
😂thought the same
@bornagaingg6223 5 ай бұрын
Good because we don’t want you to visit either so don’t come! 😂😂
@cosmins92 5 ай бұрын
yes, shity country 🤮
@eduardorivera7723 5 ай бұрын
@@bornagaingg6223 lol i can see why yall dont have clean water and no one wants to visit lol. dont worry only people going are travel vlogers
@bornagaingg6223 5 ай бұрын
@@eduardorivera7723 we have more clean water than your dirty country, get educated before spewing nonsense and you think we care if people want to visit? We’re the richest country in the world, what do we need outsiders to visit for?
@groorg24 5 ай бұрын
Tommy, Congo also has a video upload fee, I can collect it and send it off to them, but I'm also going to need to see a Yellow Fever Vaccination card.
@FreePalestine1948 5 ай бұрын
hahahah
@rrpearsall 5 ай бұрын
think he prefers pink/black.. Yellow/pink not so much 😂
@al3xm 5 ай бұрын
hahahaha
@YayahAli-nx6ru 5 ай бұрын
😂
@savonic2112 5 ай бұрын
😂😂👏👏👏👏🤌🤌
@TheRealist2024 5 ай бұрын
This is why you are the number one travel vlogger for me, no matter what adversity you face you get on with it and move on, stay safe.
@aidanmyshrall2487 5 ай бұрын
This was really hard to watch! Sorry you went through that but you did the whole world a favor by documenting your experience, it's much appreciated!
@LWmusik 5 ай бұрын
"Sir, you violated the law. We can resolve this for 1500 dollars" felt like something from a bethesda game lol
@malcolmhardwick4258 5 ай бұрын
We're here to protect you !
@roselightmoon 5 ай бұрын
Brigands I can handle, but this talk of extortion? World's gone mad, I say.
@JosephMwema 5 ай бұрын
That is his pay for 12+ months. He probably never touched a dollar in his life. Just an opportunist.
@MB3CREWTV 5 ай бұрын
This comment is underrated 🤣
@durpdurp0257 5 ай бұрын
"By the order of Jarl stop right there! You have committed crimes against Congo and her people! What say you in your defense"
@david112312345 5 ай бұрын
First time viewer here, I’m Congolese, and I’m sorry you got subjected to all of that. But I will also like to say THANK YOU. We as Congolese are exhausted by our own country. Thank you for showing the world what a shame the country truly is, even amongst our peers on the continent. I can only hope this video goes viral. I have been sharing it to fellow Congolese.
@david112312345 5 ай бұрын
…As someone that is familiar with Lubumbashi, I have to say all your bad experiences came at no surprise. Watching this video made me wish I knew who you were in order to help you navigate the bullshit. Sadly, the daily life of Congolese is dealing with extortion. Corruption is the only law of the land in Congo. The fact that a simple traffic police could feel so brazen to ask $1500 is enough to show you where we are as a nation. In most cases, if extortionist notice you’re not local PLUS you’re alone they will attempt to bluff you into paying them bribes for literally fuck all. Like your one month visa was suppose to be no more than 90$ yet even official government staff saw an opportunity for a quick meal ticket. God. And we Congolese wonder why we cannot solve the war in the east. Bref, I could go on. It’s truly sad, but I’m not willing to give up all hope. Though until we Congolese learn to stand up for what is right, I’ll never recommend this country to anyone as a place to visit.
@kipapula6838 5 ай бұрын
Am African and have never seen anything like this before. Constant bad behavior in the whole video and I watch this guy alot but this gotta be the worst experience have ever seen him go through. Having anxiety watching this. You guys gotta fix your country and this has exposed much that the biggest problem of Congo is within
@globallibran378 5 ай бұрын
@@kipapula6838 agree 100%
@wind2536 5 ай бұрын
@@david112312345it's great to see Congo has people like you though. That's what will change the country.
@wind2536 5 ай бұрын
@@kipapula6838which country are you from?
@Dudsgon 5 ай бұрын
It feels like Congo isnt really a country but rather an enormous uncharted territory in the middle of Africa with some nominal state attributes
@Men_dont_ask4_respect 2 ай бұрын
It’s a cookie jar for Europe
@nholmes86 Ай бұрын
Yah Congo isnt even a place.
@NeilQ1962 5 ай бұрын
I feel your pain man, I worked in Kolwezi for a year and Congo is the most difficult place to be in the world. Corruption and violence are prevalent and everyone is on the take. You did a great job showing what it’s actually like in Congo, it’s not somewhere I would ever go again…
@faisalsonalkar2239 5 ай бұрын
The amount of languages this man speaks blows my mind. Great work Tommy.
@qanononabong8491 5 ай бұрын
...number of languages...
@brandanmontoya9353 5 ай бұрын
@@qanononabong8491number, amount same shit
@Ekopasterpraiseyah 5 ай бұрын
Yes and fart too ,listen carefully,minute 19:08 😂😂😂😂
@ceoaleostm2146 5 ай бұрын
He started talking french at one point
@tianly6177 5 ай бұрын
go back to Congo on your #666 video....only fitting......what a terrible place to visit as a tourist.🤕🤕🤕
@berryblumegovernmentcorruption 23 күн бұрын
I live in Canada's outback and deal with bears on a weekly basis on average and have run into numerous cougar, been lost in the bush and such and believe you are 1000Xs braver than me. I watch all your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us.
@chopsticksandtrains 5 ай бұрын
That AirBNB host you had seems like a really good dude. I wish him well. Hopefully you guys can keep some form of connection.
@BS-kl9yf 5 ай бұрын
There is a reason why tourists don't go to DRC. I have said this over and over again. Glad even Itchy boots avoided it. It is not worth it. Traveling there even as an African has more bad experiences than the positive ones. They have a long way to go.
@ewengillies9826 5 ай бұрын
No one in their right mind would venture into such a cesspit of corruption.
@mhdab2416 5 ай бұрын
Paris is better oops nope. New York is better oops nope. Chicago is better oops nope. Toronto is better oops nope. They have a long way to go......
@Islandicus 5 ай бұрын
Yes, Itchy Boots took a ferry from Cabinda to Angola to avoid the DRC. I'm surprised Tommy took this risk as the DRC has such a bad reputation. I have never seen him look so uncomfortable.
@JosephMwema 5 ай бұрын
*Wandering with Paint* was in Congo and did several vlogs from there. She been to many other places too including Afghanistan.
@kemetancientafrica 5 ай бұрын
Use your common sense. Would you travel through Ukraine now?
@FadedOxide 5 ай бұрын
So basically no real upsides just constantly being harassed by locals and government trying to squeeze all your money and sanity from you. Sounds like a great vacation spot
@antz8810 5 ай бұрын
Sounds great 😂
@billymoses9925 5 ай бұрын
Yh but they have gorillas in congo. The cool ones not the little furry ones in uganda
@davechristian7543 5 ай бұрын
each to there own my good man.
@cryptospacexxxit6281 5 ай бұрын
their* cant read and cant write.. oh god what have you become@@davechristian7543
@plj2084 5 ай бұрын
@@davechristian7543Yah! But the Problem is they wont stay in there Own Countries instead of Bringing all there Cahous and Criminality to our Western Countries Now! 🌋😈☠️🕳️
@peace_of_mind_revolution 4 ай бұрын
Watching you deal with the challenges of vlogging in the Congo demonstrates your inner strength. I can see how frustrated and tired you were but you refrained on spiraling into negativity. Respect bro❤
@123nathanator 5 ай бұрын
I feel like certain countries are just not meant to be visited and thanks for making the sacrifices to show us which ones.
@tzar2984 5 ай бұрын
Bro, don’t go to Congo. It’s a golden rule, even for us native Africans.
@GriotDNB 5 ай бұрын
Haha learned that the hard way. Never again!
@carlitoclout65 5 ай бұрын
Don’t want to go Congo but want to leech it for it’s natural resources funny that
@byamungusamuelnguma5577 5 ай бұрын
What is wrong with going to Congo? In 5 to 10 years to come you will seek to enter Congo in all cost!
@LordOfSweden 5 ай бұрын
@@byamungusamuelnguma5577 😂
@finlayhesp5920 5 ай бұрын
@@byamungusamuelnguma5577 ahahahhahahha
@aerofred2002 5 ай бұрын
He has balls, many Africans will not even mess with Congo.
@thembadube9589 5 ай бұрын
Definitely a crap-hole to give a wide berth. Oddly, there are many DR Congolese in my country (South Africa), but they are truly wonderful people who earn an honest living. I presume the scumbags are back home trying to rip tourists off, trying to recruit child soldiers, and giving their country a bad name.
@mokisan 5 ай бұрын
Is this true?
@aerofred2002 5 ай бұрын
@mokisan Congo has not had a stable government for a while.
@jkhhahahhdkakkdh 5 ай бұрын
@@mokisanWell, I agree ...Been there and it was bizarre!!!!
@ompiers 4 ай бұрын
Tommy, thank you for filming your visit to the Congo. I think I'll give that place a miss. You're the best Tommy.
@jokabisi3145 5 ай бұрын
Best and realistic video i have ever seen on DRC. I have subscribed.
@darrendarcy7132 5 ай бұрын
☘️ Tommy’s been travelling for years, never seen him like that. Must’ve been bad.
@user-wr9uo2nf2f 5 ай бұрын
So sad. They really broke his spirit. So much lawlessness
@Islandicus 5 ай бұрын
A white man on his own in the DRC is a recipe for disaster. He should have had a bodyguard to accompany him but he made the right decision not to stay there.
@Bourne-fu8bz 5 ай бұрын
Sabbatical is a prejudiced fool. He travels around with his Woke hat, getting political with countries that he doesn't like.
@Bourne-fu8bz 5 ай бұрын
Itchy Boots is 20 times smarter than Sabbatical. Tommy is a fool.
@davidomalley926 5 ай бұрын
@@Bourne-fu8bz aren't you just charming.
@mwanikinjeru3326 5 ай бұрын
That cop asking for $1500 was absolutely crazy. 1500$??!! Did he even have an idea of what he was talking about?
@yasuke4593 5 ай бұрын
It was 1500 Congolese francs
@user-pu4fj6sf8d 5 ай бұрын
😂😂😂😂😂 he is asking for something he has never even hold on😂😂😂😂😂😂 219,000ksh
@user-pu4fj6sf8d 5 ай бұрын
Tommy fuata sheria usihangaike la sivyo pesa utatoa.
@kalmbizi300 5 ай бұрын
@@yasuke4593 No, .he really meant $1500. 1500 Congolese francs is just $0,5. $1=30000 Congolese francs. In some places it can be negociated to 2700 congolese francs. You can google the rate.
@Rowenzz 5 ай бұрын
Might be worth taking a bunch of fake money to a place like this for times like that 😂😂
@dreamealityabraham_dacruz5055 5 ай бұрын
As a congolese who lived outside my country for more than 14 years and i just got back, i would say there's nothing improving. As you went through all these nonsense, we (citizens) we go through it in our daily basis. people are not allow to take even a picture in the club like seriuosly and elsewhere... corruption in my country is in another level and it sucks.
@kipapula6838 5 ай бұрын
Is this Rwanda's fault also? You guys like blaming everything on foreigners. Is this behavior caused by Rwanda or its truly shameful on the congolese?
@dieu5041 5 ай бұрын
@@kipapula6838Rwanda’s president is CIA
@dreamealityabraham_dacruz5055 5 ай бұрын
@@kipapula6838 My comment has nothing to do with Rwandans goverment or any external forces, okay. Rwanda has it own internal issues like every countries and our internal problems it is ours.
@glenmerwyn5195 5 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing that, Tommy. That's brutal. Glad you got out of there.
@timstar28 5 ай бұрын
This dude is the most insane out of all the travel vloggers 😂
@bensor.suchart9326 5 ай бұрын
He is truly the best
@LogicalVelocity 5 ай бұрын
As a mother, I worry about some of the decisions he makes.
@BillBondsHasAPosse 5 ай бұрын
Very underrated, dude should have over 1m followers.
@Nummey 5 ай бұрын
The most real.
@Loveabounds. 5 ай бұрын
@@BillBondsHasAPossehe’s realistic and no over edited videos with ignorant comments, even in Congo he’s respectful and honest
@MoreKit 5 ай бұрын
This episode is by far the most uncomfortable to watch. Please stay safe, Tommy! I wanna watch your future videos for at least 20 years more.
@SabbaticalTommy 5 ай бұрын
Will do
@kennyofbaja 5 ай бұрын
nah, I think the tweaker in Rosario or wherever that was way more uncomfortable
@movingwheels26 5 ай бұрын
You're so courageous,am hopeful I will continue showing Africa 🌍 like the way you do, keep up the good work, doing the same here in Kenya 🇰🇪, welcome again.
@InvestedAdventure 5 ай бұрын
Wow, this was intense! It's making me reconsider my own plans to visit Congo later this year. Thanks for sharing this! Stay safe in your future travels!
@AAA-sx5ej 5 ай бұрын
I can explain the essence behind the excessive corruption and aggression in Congo. Basically when former president Mobutu sesseseko overthrew the Govt and come to power, he tried to nationalise all the Mining concessions, and the west reacted with severe economic sanction that crippled the entire economy. As a Consequence, Mobutu called the Army Generals and civil servants and told them the Govt is broke and would henceforth not be able to pay salaries. He then instructed all govt employees to be self employed in their govt offices and told them " eat with your stationeries and stamps", hence why whenever you are met by any govt official in the congo, expect to be extorted by these " self employeed" officials. MOBUTU'S "SELF EMPLOYMENT " LEGANCY CONTINUES TO THIS PRESENT DAY Its nothing to do with the hatred of king leopold etc.
@likatalikata3823 5 ай бұрын
Thank you. Never knew this part of Congolese history.
@musical_lolu4811 5 ай бұрын
Nothing, you say
@victorcreed3 5 ай бұрын
Great insight, however it continued beyond Mobutu. Despite Kabila pere and fils trying to make garner foreign investment, they also encouraged corruption.
@kamauwawachira2907 5 ай бұрын
You forgot to mention how Mobutu came to power .
@Alex-be6fw 5 ай бұрын
Your country is fucked for 200 yrs. Also your diamond (the green forest) disappears. You were 40 millions when i was young (im 44) you ate now 80, maybe 100 who knows? Congo with wegypt ate the 2 worst countries for foreigners. As I wrote Condo is destroyed, fucked for 200 years !
@Uuusssaaas 5 ай бұрын
I am glad you go to places like the Congo so I don't have to. What a terrible place.
@sxsx5951 5 ай бұрын
Yes. And the rule of King Leopold II ended in 1908. He was greedy bastard, but they can't still blame him for everything.
@mariusdon3429 5 ай бұрын
@@sxsx5951Normal...blame the west ,of course 😂😂😂😂. That was 100 y ago ....but still is west fault 🤡🤡🤡
@Givemeproofkid 5 ай бұрын
@@mariusdon3429 Lol 100% it is the fault of the african people living in congo. But did west leave congo ? That is the question
@mariusdon3429 5 ай бұрын
@Givemeproofkid If west leave or not ,that's another question! But even if they leave 100% Congo ,how people's with that corrupted mentality will live ? How they will continue to invest in mining industry if foreign machines are not used? They will extract that with spoons?😅😅😅
@Givemeproofkid 5 ай бұрын
@@mariusdon3429 You are either a kid or hypocrite! If the west leaves then war will break out and a winner will rise in congo. End of decades of war= more uniform forces(they can be corrupt but if there is no war then there will be progess no matter how slow)=more progress. But now the west is manipulating the war and if one warlord wins and the west to negotiate they have to have laverage( an other warlord) so they can say do this or we will arm this guy. We are not children and we know the playbook.
@ALTHEGREAT 5 ай бұрын
Hey bro.. I was in Goma in November with a journalist visa. If you decide to go back, I can provide you with some free info that will make the entire process a lot easier and smoother. Its still Congo, but easier when you have some reliable contacts and paperwork from the right people. Kivus and Kinshasa. Love the videos! 💪
@SabbaticalTommy 5 ай бұрын
Appreciate the offer, could you reach out on Instagram?
@ALTHEGREAT 5 ай бұрын
@@SabbaticalTommy sent!
@user-ht4wd5pu3u 5 ай бұрын
Taking the Zambia border was a mistake. Its much smoother thru Rwanda-DRC border. Things are more organized due to one-stop-shop immigration procedure and because Rwanda is well organized
@andrearosezanna 3 ай бұрын
After seeing this I will definitely not be visiting the Congo 🤦♀️
@user-sh5ds5es5p 3 ай бұрын
I was invited there to take my grandson. Naaaw I won’t be doing that 😊
@williamswetnam4070 5 ай бұрын
Tommy: "... and I've been asked for money three times." Official, thinking to himself: "Only three times?!"
@krisb-travel 5 ай бұрын
I just got a message from the Congo demanding I pay $200 after watching this video
@MrJohhnycongo 5 ай бұрын
My own exposure to the DR Congo since my research and outreach from Kisangani started in 2004, had also been traumatic, because the country oozes trauma, brutality, exploitation, corruption and desperate survival. Extortion, bribery, corruption, confrontation and robbery is the culture and the language. It will require many years after peace is achieved (?), before any forms of normalcy would ever manifest in the (eastern) DRC. The churches and statistics of 92% Christian population bear NO fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS, peace and joy!
@AInfusedNetwork 4 ай бұрын
As a Congolese, I’m not surprised you experienced that. I grew up in the states and even I would be treated exactly like you unless I really play the part of looking local and have my family surround me at arrival. Desperation is the only thing holding Congo back. Ppl are too desperate to realize they could actually be better off by inviting tourist that actually go to learn and appreciate other countries, not take advantage of “cheap” living. Until you meet people’s basic needs, they’ll act accordingly.
@habitschosen8409 5 ай бұрын
So Sad that they don’t realize they could make more money long- term by treating tourists better instead of trying to extort them. I hate to think like this of any country but I know by now how unbiased you are and you’re not one of these click-bait vloggers, so I highly doubt you just trying to make them look bad. Be safe! And you’re appreciated for taking these risks for people, like me, who can’t do this themselves.
@OdinWannaBe 5 ай бұрын
Lack of education sadly
@scuffed_jayz2976 5 ай бұрын
I grew up in the kinshasa as a belgian. This doesent surprise me at all. Been like this for a long time
@Nico-th1ur 5 ай бұрын
@@scuffed_jayz2976 did you ever walk on the streets?
@johnchuttlesworth6419 5 ай бұрын
the most long term or forward-looking these people can get is maybe tommorow.
@ericdelevinquiere9902 5 ай бұрын
Different set of values, quick money is king, working for it is lame! Unfortunately that’s how it is in most of Africa.
@sudind 6 ай бұрын
Congo might be the only nation I have absolutely zero hopes to substantially improve. Such tragedy.
@williamswetnam4070 5 ай бұрын
DRC, and Haiti.😢
@mlogical4099 5 ай бұрын
Exactly
@davechristian7543 5 ай бұрын
why wouldnt u hope it improves, like why do u no like them?
@cryptospacexxxit6281 5 ай бұрын
Read again before assuming bullshit@@davechristian7543
@null_.. 5 ай бұрын
@davechristian7543 by having no hopes of it improving they mean things are so bad there that it is very unlikely anything will ever improve.
@jojosumit7690 5 ай бұрын
"White man, money". Same old story coming to a town near you.
@karljuwde3877 5 ай бұрын
Great advertisement for all the reasons to never ever ever go there. Good job Congo Tourism board!!
@Omarshmallow 5 ай бұрын
Thanks for showing us this. Glad you made it out of there! I was stressed just watching this. I think you need a vacation from this vacation.
@ethanhayward2424 5 ай бұрын
It’s hard being a nice guy in a mean world. As long as you keep your dignity the negativity will pass
@GriotDNB 5 ай бұрын
I have had beautiful days in Congo but seeing this video gets me right back there. Never ever again.
@lovetruth249 5 ай бұрын
As Congolese Tutsi from eastern Congo, I am not surprised with your experience, total corruption, awful attitude, robbery of the highest level. and not wonder Congo is not developing. I am sorry for your negative experience.
@DecloKazadi 5 ай бұрын
Murudi basi kwenu kama amupendi Congo,arudi USA ,naweye urudi Cyangungu.
@conciousminds 5 ай бұрын
What caused all those corruptions? Imperialism, capitalism, and all those isms.. who caused all of that?
@Dutch-McLarenJk82- 5 ай бұрын
@@conciousmindsMeh, Mobutu f*ed up the country even more.
@neleloimba4941 5 ай бұрын
TUTSI CRIMINEL GENOCIDAIRE BIENTOT LA FIN PEUPLE DE LA HAINE DIABOLIQUE
@superwassou 5 ай бұрын
Tutsis are not congolese.
@DenGunero-tp1cr 5 ай бұрын
I had the exact same experience in Uganda. Harrassment wherever I went. Tried to rob me twice. Literally couldn't walk outside in the evening. After two days of bribery, harrassment, people following me, etc. I decided to spend my remaining 4 days ONLY at the hotel. What an absolute mess. I went to more than 60 countries and I never experienced anything like this. I do understand these people are poor, but nothing justifies this behavior. I went to many poor countries, literally walking through the slums on the Phillipines, etc. and nothing like that or even remotely close to that ever happened.
@bid84 5 ай бұрын
Culture. And sadly that culture follows them wherever they go
@redskyatnight123 5 ай бұрын
What really bothers me is the leaders of the west know this yet allow these sort of people to come here and we are reaping what the elites are sowing
@nemodex 5 ай бұрын
the only trouble ive ever had in ph was with taxi drivers that camp at bus stops and airport terminals. even the begging kids on the street would at least back off if I asked. I usually give money to the ones I can tell just feel hopeless. My wife is from there, and I normally spend most of my time in the poorer areas drinking in the side streets with locals unless its the final days waiting for our flight back to the states. I hope to go back and stay there for good one day.
@australianpainter42069 4 ай бұрын
@@bid84it's not culture rather the nonexistence of it
@Mannels14 2 ай бұрын
@@australianpainter42069Highly ironic
@b3l14l 5 ай бұрын
Thank you for validating and confirming why I would never go to a place like that!
@sxsx5951 5 ай бұрын
Never say never.
@b3l14l 5 ай бұрын
Never.
@tianabee9944 5 ай бұрын
and nobody wants you there anyways ...just watch the video
@b3l14l 5 ай бұрын
@@tianabee9944 that's exactly why I do NOT want to be there. I watched the video. Absolutely no way unless they nuked the place would I go to a country so hostile and derived you'd think you were in the USA.
@mowliidismaaciil5391 5 ай бұрын
@@tianabee9944 it is shame you are living a country like this. 😂
@ZeuzBluez 4 ай бұрын
Man, you got some balls. You re my favourite vlogger, along with Bald n Bankrupt . Stay safe next time 🙏
@fuzzology 5 ай бұрын
You can certainly mention the colonisation but in the here and now it’s clear the people aren’t helping themselves and greed seems to be the only motivation. So sad.
@Justfranktbh 5 ай бұрын
I agree
@Blake4014 5 ай бұрын
its enough to make you lose any sympathy you had for them in the first place when they behave like this.
@aaronkyungu 5 ай бұрын
You need to understand that the corruption is a byproduct of colonisation and is still deeply ingrained within society here. Lubumbashi and any other city/town in the Katanga Provence are home to some of the most exploited humans on earth with the most important mining operations of the entire country residing here. As a result, most families barely make a living and live under the poverty line, so the education rates are extremely low. Not to mention, that tourism in Katanga is non existent, so anyone in the region who is non-Congolese is usually there to exploit, thus the hostility.
@Blake4014 5 ай бұрын
@@aaronkyungu Korea was colonized by Japan, Korea recovered and became a first world country. You're just making excuses for your failures. All of the middle east was colonized by european powers till after world war 2... they managed to form a functional civilization too. Yet somehow, thats too hard for africans? Not a good look.
@Schizopantheist 5 ай бұрын
I'm not defending this behaviour, but the exploitation of Congo is continuing in the present. Literally millions died very recently due to war and its effects and fighting is continuing in places. The place was and is a mess. Stability and peace haven't been achieved. Without peace and accountable government... what hope..
@scottfree3759 5 ай бұрын
No wonder Itchy Boots just gave the DRC a swerve! Jesus!
@dalicodes 5 ай бұрын
🤣🤣🤣🤣 imagine being on a bike and all these happen to you. She would be bribing at every checkpoint.
@dncviorel 5 ай бұрын
I wonder if she really travels alone. I somewhat doubt it.
@youme1414 5 ай бұрын
It is a country at war. Why don't you tell the power that be stop exploiting that country? Thank you.
@ngugikenn 5 ай бұрын
@@youme1414 is tshikedi not a congolese?
@comosaycomosah 5 ай бұрын
i know lol its worrisome@@dncviorel
@Crabsford 5 ай бұрын
Really enjoyed this Video, I like how you talk about the Geography and History of the Country which explains the state of Congo today
@rayrae1651 5 ай бұрын
I don’t understand why anybody would ever go to a country like this
@blususpect 5 ай бұрын
Congo really could be one of the richest countries in the world if they got rid of the corruption & started leveraging their own resources, at least your host kept it real with you about Congo 🇨🇩
@noone3367 5 ай бұрын
You need to understand that the real wealth of a nation is it's people!
@jalilbabi4161 5 ай бұрын
But they prefer to put all there blame on rwanda instead of cleaning up internally.
@stevenhull5025 5 ай бұрын
Blame corrupt western companies and banks. Companies give stuffed brown envelopes to the corrupt elite and the banks receiving the cash know it.
@Bobbillyjrboy 5 ай бұрын
They have to take their resources back
@ShootingStar_JB 5 ай бұрын
"I am police, I am here to protect you"....mmmkay pumpkin. This was crazy exhausting to watch. Thank you for sharing this as it's a part of the world I'll never set foot in.
@xXCigarXx 5 ай бұрын
Sounds just like the police in America.
@globallibran378 5 ай бұрын
@@xXCigarXxI have been pulled over, over 100 times by police in America and driven thru the borders of USA and Canada , driven in south America and more countries than I can remember, and I have NEVER had this happen once. And im black😢.
@xXCigarXx 5 ай бұрын
@@globallibran378 youve never been taken advantage of by police and have been pulled over 100 times. I drive for a living and have only been pulled over twice in my life. Doesnt mean the cops were on the up and up.....as a matter of fact both tickets I got were dismissed in court.
@Joey71420 5 ай бұрын
Yeah fk going to the congo
@globallibran378 5 ай бұрын
@@xXCigarXx completely false equivalency. America is no utopia and there are definitely dangers in police encounters in America but none ask you for bribes, NONE! You said drive for a living so please tell me where in America you know of police or Border Patrol who asked you for or demanded bribes?
@GotoHere 5 ай бұрын
Diversity is our strength. I don’t see a tourism boom anytime in Congo. Maybe in about 150 years.
@Mannels14 2 ай бұрын
It’s good as we can preserve the natural beauty of the Congo
@noelle701 5 ай бұрын
At one point, my son and I converted money he spent into Canadian funds. Equaled over $6000. Not to mention all the other money they got out of Tommy. We noticed the worry on Tommy's face! Glad you made it out of there safely. ❤ Truly a stressful episode to watch!
@ellem2293 5 ай бұрын
Im so glad you show the true nature of the people & countries you visit, good & bad. After seeing some of your visits there are definately countries I couldnt visit alone or even with company. You are so brave! I dont have the same level of tolerance, especially with the mindset of some of the people. They are doing themselves an injustice as no tourists will want to visit & spend money. I certainly wouldnt even desire to visit DRC after watching this, THANK YOU.
@tubester4567 5 ай бұрын
This is what happens when leaders are corrupt. Its starts at the top and becomes normalized. I think Congo is sensitive about the cobalt mines, and the exploitation of poor workers and child labour. Corrupt leaders making money from mines dont want tourists and foreigners seeing whats going on.
@poloststyles2669 5 ай бұрын
@@tubester4567Stop making excuses the entire continent is d@mn near corrupt 😤
@Flourish_today 5 ай бұрын
@@poloststyles2669That is what he said that corruption has become normal to them because it started from the top.
@a.v.5078 5 ай бұрын
I'd skipped the whole continent. One look and I can imagine the rest of the cities and towns.
@wolfgiesinger1597 5 ай бұрын
@@poloststyles2669Yes it is, largely aided & abetted by western/US corporations & NGOs... believe me, I live in africs....
@fabiol411 5 ай бұрын
Now this my friend, this was an uncomfortable thing to watch. I have experienced similar stuff in various countries, you cannot really get used to it. So therefore, big thumbs up to you.
@micscience2262 5 ай бұрын
Like where?
@KaiExploresLife 3 ай бұрын
This was very stressful to watch. It reminds me of Egypt. Places I will not visit. Thanks for sharing this.
@JetsettersRus 5 ай бұрын
JUST WOW!!! ...Congo will never get better this way. You must've felt very much unsafe there!!! Tourists, bring money. If we feel unsafe to go, we won't go.
@Badlander87X 5 ай бұрын
I will be avoiding the DRC like the plague on my trip after seeing all this
@westmax8491 5 ай бұрын
Which African countries are you visiting?
@Badlander87X 5 ай бұрын
@@westmax8491 Morocco 🇲🇦 Mauritania 🇲🇷 Senegal 🇸🇳 Gambia 🇬🇲 Guinea-Bissau Guinea 🇬🇳 Ivory Coast Nigeria 🇳🇬 and I'm aiming to get threw central Africa to Uganda 🇺🇬
@nickngunjiri4282 5 ай бұрын
Congo is a destabilized nation by neighboring countries
@solomonKachi7000 5 ай бұрын
CAR, hmmm well Uganda should be fun @@Badlander87X
@kipapula6838 5 ай бұрын
Uganda and Rwanda for sure
@CoreyChambersLA 5 ай бұрын
If you like to be robbed and extorted, you will love Congo.
@HandleAndGretel 5 ай бұрын
Might as well advertise themselves as a tourist destination for people into Findom
@ROCKNROLL947 5 ай бұрын
Terrible, but it's easier to die in a shootout or by a racist cop in the USA, haha, and supposedly there is the definition of democracy. Imagine being the most powerful and ''developed'' country and having the 31% of mass shootings in the world, being #1 at that. That's a shame, at least everyone knows Congo is extremely poor.
@sicarii_Tactica 5 ай бұрын
For real. That place can go straight to hell.
@mhdab2416 5 ай бұрын
Americans saying this is funny
@davidmende4438 5 ай бұрын
There are Black places in America he might have been beaten. I was threatened with a machete. I live in a good city. Crime and punishment is the only answer.
@neverbrokeagain7701 5 ай бұрын
You doing gods work people need to know to stay as far as possible from this country
@chopsticksandtrains 5 ай бұрын
I'm becoming a bigger and bigger fan of your work. You are the only travel vlogger that I'm willing to watch. Greetings, from an American in China.
@orangi077 5 ай бұрын
My dream was to visit the Congo formerly Zaire in my lifetime because of the music and the rich culture. This video has shaken me to the core.
@jaredacosta2834 5 ай бұрын
Fuck the Congo did you see how much hassle he went through?? I know it’s one place I’ll never travel to 😂😂😂
@lifehacks1019 5 ай бұрын
Even most of that music is made out of Congo
@RaymondJayliss 5 ай бұрын
Zambia has a storied musical history (zamrock) and is way more normal than the Congo
@jayd5360 4 ай бұрын
My ex-GF was Congolese. I visited a few years ago, but the capital region not the south. And all went well with me. Its like his guide said, if gou go with a Congolese, you'll be ok. But if you go alone as white ppl, you will be eaten alive by the corruption.
@nahomkifle9742 5 ай бұрын
When I first saw your KZfaq title that you went to Congo. I said oh No. I am from Eritrea and I know Congo and the neighbouring countries. You took a huge risk by going there without any guide. The Airbnb guy told you the right thing at the last of your video. He said you shouldn’t come to Congo without a guide. He is completely right. You are lucky with the amount of money that you departed to pay for your visas and corruption. It could have been worse. Their foreign consulate visas don’t work when entering the country. It’s a very hostile place and definitely not for tourists.
@superwassou 5 ай бұрын
Luckily this is not as bad as Érythrea
@beatamafulu2405 5 ай бұрын
@@superwassouexactly.
@QuadDamage-tt7sj 5 ай бұрын
Erithrea is even worse???@@superwassouwhat is going on there then?
@superwassou 5 ай бұрын
@@QuadDamage-tt7sj Feel free to look by yourself like a grown one.
@QuadDamage-tt7sj 5 ай бұрын
@@superwassou lazy ass
@lauracassidy8152 14 күн бұрын
I love your mentality, personality, and courage. Your videos are very illuminating. Keep up the great work and please be safe!
@sbakernyc5761 5 ай бұрын
How many languages does this guy speak? I know hes not very fluent in any of them but its still wildly impressive
@jimgraham9450 5 ай бұрын
Tommy, that is not only crazy but dangerous. I am glad you got out of there.
@user-uf8kn1rx3u 5 ай бұрын
Yup that looked dodgy as hell, real Heart Of Darkness stuff
@SuburbanColours 5 ай бұрын
Man this was a difficult watch, hope you’re ok Tommy! Very sad to see the corruption in this country. People have no shame.
@sanbasman 5 ай бұрын
Tommy I really admire you and you show the importance of learning the local language because what surprises me most about you is that your aesthetic is so so so gringo that it makes you attract a lot of attention but your great experience in traveling plus managing the local languages means that you always get your way. Mucho cariño desde Argentina! Y si volvés tendrías q ir al norte, Salta, Jujuy, Tucuman, etc ("la verdadera Argentina"). Abrazo de oso hermano.
@jonaswatson533 5 ай бұрын
You are braver than I. I would never visit such a place for fear of being jailed, robbed, or murdered.
@IndianaMint 5 ай бұрын
Tommy, in case noone has told you. Your single handedly showing the state of our world
@guymiddleton5275 5 ай бұрын
If Tommy throws in the towel you know that things are f***ed up 😂
@demri123 5 ай бұрын
Sometimes he shows that stereotypes are not true. Sometimes reality is that they are
@theclassics7513 5 ай бұрын
congo is so frustrating , l will never visit that country
@sonderexpeditions 5 ай бұрын
I had 2 Congolese French teachers who live there and they're one of the 1st people I've conversed with who looked visually uncomfortable even discussing the country. Normally people have good things to say.
@zz2791z 5 ай бұрын
The energy of the Congo is indescribable….. I almost didn’t even want to watch past 2 minutes…. I’m on the edge of my seat for you while watching 😅…
@tubbyrainbow111 5 ай бұрын
What lovely culture, I hope they keep enriching the West with this diversity and "indescribable energy" as you call it......it is exactly what our beautiful, safe, prosperous neighborhoods need.....
@damonmelendez856 5 ай бұрын
@@tubbyrainbow111Africa is the future of the world! Strong African men and women will enrich us beyond measure. We won’t know what hit us.
@tubbyrainbow111 5 ай бұрын
@@damonmelendez856 Riiiiiight........but back in reality though, literally every statistic proves otherwise in todays REAL world.....
@damonmelendez856 5 ай бұрын
@@tubbyrainbow111 100% agree. but since you can’t say anything on YT which goes against the ‘approved narrative’ the best thing say what they want to hear, go above and beyond and fawn over their magical sub-Saharans.
@TheOriginalDaveJ 5 ай бұрын
Tommy, that was a hard watch. Happy you're safe and I certainly don't blame you for wanting out of there! Horrible people.
@Islandicus 5 ай бұрын
As he himself said, the Belgians exploited and destroyed that country. The same ethnic people living on the other side of the border in Tanzania, for example, are completely different. The DRC should be one of the wealthiest countries in the world but the West continues to rob it of its wealth and has instilled a culture of corruption.
@Bourne-fu8bz 5 ай бұрын
Just watch his previous videos. He goes around tarnishing safe and peaceful countries because of his political bias. The fool listens to too much CNN.
@nycrawgirl 5 ай бұрын
It was hard to watch and I couldn't wait until Tommy got out of the Congo. But, I think it is more nuanced and complicated than calling these people "horrible."
@DenGunero-tp1cr 5 ай бұрын
@@nycrawgirlNo, they are literally horrible. Corrupt, criminal, selfish.
@Joe-ul3gh 5 ай бұрын
@@nycrawgirl No no no no no, just stop now! If you threaten someone's freedom unless they pay you, you are committing extortion and a horrible person. Asking for $1,500 is MORE than 3 years of their annual salary and degusting...
@Richard1A2B 7 күн бұрын
Dude, I watched your Ireland video and loved it.... I saw your Northern Ireland video and laughed at how you handled that... but this is a whole new level... respect!
@YTAnon10 5 ай бұрын
Thanks for giving a glimpse into a place I’ll surely never get to. Cheers
@jayzg60 5 ай бұрын
They call congo thr heart of darkness for a reason
@saitamadecember2806 5 ай бұрын
Everyone will tell you crossing over from Zambia to DRC via the Kasumbalesa border is one of the worst experiences one can possibly experience, I've had first hand experience of it as well. And as a Congolese living in the Diaspora I can empathise with you, although if it's any comfort to you everyone has the same experience. Found myself getting second hand embarrassment watching this video, but I believe there is hope for DRC...our country will rise. Also as a side note, I expect you would have had a better experience flying into DRC...the border crossing is the worst.
@greganikin7003 5 ай бұрын
You haven’t crossed Kazakhstan - Uzbekistan border. Kazahs were assholes and very trying to get money from me for absolutely legally crossing it.
@JaysWorldTravels 5 ай бұрын
I also tried to make that crossing, but they demanded $200 and told me my visa wasn't valid, so I just turned around and never went back.
@stefan7285 5 ай бұрын
Itchy Boots just took the ferry around Congo from Cabinda because it´s so unsafe there, a few hours ride on a motorbike and you go there willingly :) Absolutly nuts.
@jacksonm.6549 5 ай бұрын
Sad that you had to go through that! I kept hoping that you would travel to Kinshasa to experience it, despite your setbacks in Lubum. The border corruption is pretty typical. Not as harsh as the airport experience. I agree with your Airbnb host that you should have a tour guide with you, for anyone thinking of visiting the DRC as a tourist.
@gagoomt4076 5 ай бұрын
17:23 “white man, money!” 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
@kalmbizi300 5 ай бұрын
I'm Congolese from Lubumbashi living in the USA, but I really feel sorry for you and, at the same time, very ashamed of myself!!! What a hell you went through!!!! Your face can tell the whole story. I don't know when this will change in that country. Corruption, robbery, extortion at their fine best!! Wow!!! unbelievable!!!!!
@douggreen8211 5 ай бұрын
Some parts in the USA are not much better
@kalmbizi300 5 ай бұрын
What do you mean? We are talking about corruption, extortion here. And do you want to compare the USA to the Congo DR? Ni bazimu inakubamba ao nini? @@douggreen8211
@christianmpassi3450 5 ай бұрын
@@douggreen8211yes but the problem with my country Congo is the total ignorance of what tourism means. I am a Congolese and a few years ago I was walking along the ocean early in the morning in Muanda. Some plainclothes officer appeared out of nowhere and began to interrogate me. I burst out laughing and calmly explained that I came from the capital Kinshasa and needed some rest. And I am black. I have been insulted in Mbandaka for taking pictures along the river. We are at another universe compared to Kenya or Tanzania We must improve our ways
@dellingson4833 5 ай бұрын
@@douggreen8211 Then move to Congo.
@fuzzylogics139 5 ай бұрын
No reason to be ashamed of yourself when you are not doing those things @kalmbizi300. Your empathy tells a story of someone that wishes the best for another human being.
@Daughter777_ 5 ай бұрын
As a black woman, I’m very grateful to be born in the USA 🇺🇸
@UwalleyMoss-wl6jy 3 ай бұрын
My country South Africa are the best developed, democratic & industrial country in Africa including to some of the European & Asian countries.
@zambianyoutuberx 3 ай бұрын
Try traveling outside the US first, even around Africa, then let us know if you will still be in love with the US? Everywhere is different in Africa, you will see all kinds of places and people.
@Men_dont_ask4_respect 2 ай бұрын
I’m black American , and everything that we have our ancestors fort, died and worked for it so be thankful for our ancestors because without black people it would be No America
@Men_dont_ask4_respect 2 ай бұрын
@@UwalleyMoss-wl6jy that’s not true because Rwanda is a very clean, developed country and it has less crime than South Africa
@badlemonnohope6691 2 ай бұрын
My good friends she is being sarcastic 😂😂😂.
@kevintorgrimson8529 5 ай бұрын
The fact that everywhere you moved you were observed would be highly unnerving.
@nemodex 5 ай бұрын
white skin is a rarity in most of the world. We stick out like a sore thumb.
@danielmurphy4429 5 ай бұрын
For whatever reason I never had the desire or curiosity to see Congo. Thanks for validating my feelings, what a ghastly experience for you.
@Justfranktbh 5 ай бұрын
I’m ashamed & It sadness me to see the state of my home country, we need to look ourselves in the mirror & take accountability for it. We keep blaming the “outsiders” for everything while we act like this, its unacceptable. Tommy I sincerely apologize on behalf of my ppl, you shouldn’t have gone through this. I was hoping you’d have a good time & excited for the video but looks like I was wrong, we’re never changing I’m losing hope. I hoped to visit the southern part sometimes this year too, I think I’m good on that, I got a big brother who had a similar experience on the Zambia/congo border too. I’ll be in the east again. DAMN! Look at other countries man smh My apologies again.
@SabbaticalTommy 5 ай бұрын
Def not your fault but appreciate it. Hope this video makes some small difference
@bornagaingg6223 5 ай бұрын
@@SabbaticalTommythis video won’t make any difference, the Congolese are a stubborn people and we like the way we are. Just don’t return as you’re not wanted.
@Justfranktbh 5 ай бұрын
@@bornagaingg6223 speak for yourself buddy
@Justfranktbh 5 ай бұрын
@@Darny-xb4gc true, nonetheless once they know you’re from abroad you’re cooked. brother of mine had a similar experience there. But being black helps u, u can blend in for sure
@user-uf8kn1rx3u 5 ай бұрын
@@bornagaingg6223Your ignorant and illogical comments are the real things that are not wanted, so continue to live in your dump and enjoy! You won't be seeing any of us there so no problems!
@dkirk500 5 ай бұрын
All of my life, I lived in a lie. I always thought my country Bangladesh was the worst in the world. After watching this, I realized Bangladesh is not so bad after all. Finally, I can sleep well tonight.
@QweAsd-ry7tb 5 ай бұрын
He he sleep tight bruh
@MrAlehandroooooo 5 ай бұрын
Yes your country is number one shithole in Asia, this is Africa.
@eenchantress5113 5 ай бұрын
That’s so rude
@dkirk500 5 ай бұрын
@@eenchantress5113 Truths are not pleasant, pleasant are not the truth.
@vialley8706 4 ай бұрын
bangledish is definitely still worse . No hate
@kcraig51 5 ай бұрын
With that kind of street hassle, I wouldn't go if it was free!
@C.Scholl 5 ай бұрын
Now I understand why itchy boots absolutely wanted to avoid the DRC 🤯 Thanks for sharing the experience with us!!👍
@dlasky 5 ай бұрын
The corruption in DRC is not surprising given the political and economic conditions. What is surprising is the amount of money they ask for. The reason, I guess, is that most of the foreigners they see are rich businessmen dealing with minerals.
@terryschima4964 5 ай бұрын
Dude you’re much more patient than me; I would have turned around and went back to Zambia. I’m coming to “your “ country and you want me to pay you several bribes! NOOOO!!! Thanks for this video; it’s very helpful to know those things. Keep up the good work.
@hqdstudio 5 ай бұрын
For a foreigner, you need to get in contact with the right people because people only come to Congo to take from and not bring anything so having someone who understands the system will help you. Also most of the time they don't care about the tourists because that is not their main source of income so showing you care at the border and trying something will help you much more than denying it. So have a few dollars to spend after clearing and it doesn't have to be much.
@bumblebeme 5 ай бұрын
bribe us to get robbed.
@user-uf8kn1rx3u 5 ай бұрын
Exactly, if I have to pay so much to get in then how much more do I have to pay once I'm inside? Let alone to get out...
@CihttiBabbuu-dt9qw 5 ай бұрын
Anything for views sooon 🤡
@nemodex 5 ай бұрын
goddamn dude, I thought the taxi guys at the bus stops in manila were bad. I dont know anything! Much respect for enduring that, and i'm glad you made it out!
@IAMABUNDANT888 5 ай бұрын
The events in the Congo Free State were among the most evil in human history, and what makes things even worse is that the atrocities have largely faded from historical memory. Most people still learn of the Holocaust - and rightly so - and there is increased awareness of the Armenian Genocide, for example, but discussions of the Congo are comparatively rare.
@DEVIL9999ish 5 ай бұрын
thanks for your videos
@NatPeterson.89_ 5 ай бұрын
i subscribed when you were around 250k and now i see your at 600k. i’ve been so invested in your videos i didn’t even bother to see the sub count till now
@dominickurgat5883 5 ай бұрын
Just noted too.
@Croop9203 5 ай бұрын
Tommy really rocks the overcoming of comfort zone for the pure experience. Admiring truly.
@idego28 5 ай бұрын
For Tom to say that it is the worst country in terms of corruption and pressure from the authorities to walk freely, it must really be terrible. Tom has been to practically every unknown corner of the world.
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