The Congo Flashcards
Was was there never any stability in the Congo once it gained independence
- just after it had gained independence the army mutinied
- the province of Katanga seceded from the new republic
- Lumumba was tortured and murdered
- repeated rebellions in the north and east until Mobutu seized power. He remained it Zaire and it became corrupt
How did the Congo gain independence from Belgium
- Belgium had little intention of granting independence to Congo after WW2
- They were planning a 10 year period of transition
- Unrest broke out (because the Congolese were frustrated at being exploited) and Belgium responded by holding free elections
- elections were boycotted
- a round table conference was held in Brussels where Lumumba and Tshombe negotiated with Belgian colonists
- decided that new elections and independence would follow
Who became the prime minster of Congo
Lumumba
Of which party was Lumumba the head
The largest one: MNC
What does MNC stand for
National Congolese Movement
Who became president
Lumumba’s rival; Kasavubu
What did Lumumba support
National government
What did Kasavubu want
A federation beaded on ethnicity
What dangers did king of Belgium warn the Congolese against
- The inexperience of people to govern themselves
- Tribal fights
- attraction some of the Congolese regions have for foreign powers who will profit from any weakness
Who was Lumumba
- Only completed primary education
- Part of the ‘evolues’
- Co-founder of MNC
- Attended the Pan-Africanist Conference in Ghana which shaped many of his long-term objectives
- Victim of coup funded by USA and Belgium who feared African nationalism
- Regraded as a hero “best son of Africa”/ ”Black messiah”
- Fought for social justice
What was Lumumba’s vision for the Congo
- Complete independence
- Complete Congolese over Congo’s resources to enhance living conditions
- Believed all institutions needed to be democratised
- Goal was gradual Africanisation and development
- Wanted a strong centralised state
What were some challenges faced by Lumumba
- Kasavubu (federations of states based on ethnicity) and Tshome (loose federation of states) did not share his vision
- Congolese preferred to support ethnic leaders .˙. Not much support i congo or internationally
Why do people admire Lumumba
- Involved in anti-colonial struggles (freedom fighter)
- Only leader with ideal of national unity
- Could have held the Congo together and prevented foreign nations from exploiting resources
- Bold and decisive (even though it contributed to his downfall)
- Courage and dignity while being tortured
Wha is Lumumba condemned for
- Lack of experience which led to errors of judgement
- Speech that criticised Belgium and turned them against the congo
- Turning to USSR for for help making him look pro-communist a
What kind of leader was Mobutu Sese Seko
He was referred to as a president and said he was in favour of democracy but he was actually a dictator
What evidence is there that Sese Seko was a dictator
- He got rid of all other political parties except for his own (MPR) which allowed him to win a seven year term.
- There were many human rights violation during his rule and his enemies wee cruelly suppressed
- He used intelligence agencies to keep him advised on anyone who posed a threat to him
What was a positive aspect of Sese Seko’s rule
He aimed at promoting a sense of national unity and ride in Zairean identity and culture
What did Sese Seko rename the congo to
The Republic of Zaire
What came with the new name Zaire
A series of steps to lessen European influences on the nation’s society and economy
What did the new name adopted by Sese Seko mean
All-conquering warrior who goes from triumph to triumph
What are some negative aspects of Sese Seko’s rule
- Zaire became involved in the Angolan civil war and supported the losing faction
- Lives of ordinary Zairians did not improve
- His rule is associated with the mismanagement of funds and corruption
- Zaire came to be referred to as a kleptocracy
- He unseated Lumumba and handed him to the Katanga regime which led to his murder