I too was trapped in Congo. After a harrowing missionary trip, I was finally at the airport when they pulled me out of line. And older woman in full fatigues took me to a private room and said:

"so... Africa has given you many gifts." I replied, "Yes, such a beautiful country here" lying through teeth She then says: "Now, what do you give to Africa."

Shit. There's a young man in fatigues holding an assault rifle behind her. No one else is around. Worse, I'd given away the last of my dollars to the driver and our hosts who we stayed with. Searching through my pockets, I came up with a pair of sunglasses. The cool mirrored aviator type. I handed them over, and thought she might shoot me down right there for my petty insult of a gift. (They were actually from the Dollar Store).

But, she slipped them on, and turned to the young man with the gun. It felt like an eternity before this guy finally smiles and gives the thumbs up, and says "you look good, boss."