Congo Flashcards
Why was there civil conflict in Congo from 1960
Lummuba formed coalition government (Movement of National Congolias) - lack of unity
Army mutined demanded removal of Belgian officers
Violent conflicts broke out
unity threated by breakaway of Katanaga and Kasai
Why did Lumumba reach out to the UN and what was the result
Belgian sent troops Lumumba suspious refused help therefore lumumba appled to the USSR
Why did the USA get involved
US suspicious of USSR involvement
USA interested due to congo mineral wealth
relied on Mobutu to uphold western ally ship therefore vowed to protect him
therefore Mobutu Sezes power in 1965 with USA backing
What was Mobutuism
idealogy of Zaire
one party state
Mobutu Personality cult
Corruption in all levels of government -kleptocracy
Autocratic state
Mobutu and his family amammsed wealth at the expense of people
Why were the economic challenges in Congo
-colonial legacy (no higher education, no repressentation on giverment
-foregin companies controlled minerals- large exports, no benefit for people
What was Zairenisation and its problems
attempt to reform economy
industries and farms nationalized
Congo borrow heavy from Foreign companies to finance nationalized industry
Nationilsed farms poorly managed
mineral prices dropped- unable to pay foreign debt
cuts in funding healthcare/ educations and social welfare
What was Autheticite
attempt to decolonize society
mobutu phased out of control of education
new schools formed
attempt to improve infrastructure
Africanization
Changing pf peronal names and place names
Western clothing banned
replace non Africans in government to promote african tradition and customs
What were the failures of Zaire
State education failed
lack of resources
