One reason that certain foods carry so much local meaning is that they capture something essential about a region's flora and fauna.

WSJ: NattO, Maggot Cheese and Other Food That May Repel

The Congolese Army's in the midst of an offensive to try to wipe out these militias and capture the most powerful Mai Mai leader in the region, Jedieaun(ph).

NPR: Rogue Militia Terrorizes Southeast Congo