The Congo: PES

Question 1

Political Challenges (6)

Answer 1

• No one capable of leading the country once Belgians left
• Large country with a large population and poor infrastructure with poverty
• Many ethnic groups lead to infighting and inequality
• No accountability for leadership once Lumumba left
• Totalitarian regime that had no freedom of speech and ran a reign of terror
• Human rights were not respected

Question 2

Political Successes (2)

Answer 2

• Strong government (no opposition)

- Policy of Authenticite built a strong sense of national identity

Question 3

Economic Challenges (9)

Answer 3

• Claimed to follow capitalism but did it to attract foreign investment
• Production and consumption of goods were badly managed
• Underachieving country, extremely rich in mineral wealth and could produce food for all of Africa but it is a failed state
• Cannot sustain their own people
• Foreign firms owned mines at first, then placed under ineffective leadership meaning that their full potential wasn’t reached
• Kleptocracy, large national debt. Money went into Mobutu’s pockets from mines and foreign investment
• Large national debt and over printing of money lead to inflation
• Gecamines failed in 1994
• High unemployment

Question 4

Economic Successes (4)

Answer 4

• Mining, oil and agriculture still contributed
• Foreign firms provided employment
• Too little invested in industry and infrastructure and were taxed, however taxes went to Mobutu.
• Borrowed money from the IMF and WB which created a debt cycle
• Zairianisation was the process of nationalisation in Zaire that placed foreign-owned businesses under state control

Question 5

Social Challenges (6)

Answer 5

• Economic inequality made worse by corruption
• Overcrowding in urban areas
• Limited agricultural production lead to malnutrition
• People suffered from diseases
• No social services present and gender inequality
• Education didn’t progress and literacy rates were low

Question 6

Social Successes (2)

Answer 6

• Independence got rid of white supremacy
• Working with the IMF to reform healthcare and educational
• Arts and culture were championed and cultural identity was built.