Understanding the Conflict in Congo The Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) size is nearly that of Western Europe. The population is around 70 million, making it the most populous Francophone country in the world. Congo's borders were originally laid down by its former coloniser, Belgium, in 1885. After the Congolese attained independence in 1960, Patrice Lumumba gained rule, with his party being the only one to be organised on both national and regional basis. Lumumba's reign was brief, however, as he would eventually be assassinated. A parliamentary commission in Belgium enquired into the killing, and in its November 2001 report concluded that certain members of the Belgian government and other Belgian participants were morally responsible for the circumstances leading to the 2 death of Lumumba. In November 1965 Mobutu Sese Seko came to 3 power through a coup d'état ; he would remain in his seat for 30 years. He changed the country's name to Zaire, and in 1967 initiated the so-called 'Zairianisation' of the country where foreign- owned, small and medium-size businesses were either nationalised or distributed to private individuals. In 1974, he introduced 'radicalisation' a program supposedly aimed at addressing the country's economic problems such as unemployment and inflation, as well as the lack of social justice. The result was that the remaining large Belgian-owned companies were MAY 2016 ISSUE NO. 139 ABSTRACT The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is slowly getting back on its feet from 1 what is known as 'Africa's world war', which claimed some five million lives between 1994 and 2003. Yet many areas, especially in the east, are still enmeshed in conflict, and peace and stability has yet to take root in the country. This paper describes the conflicts in Congo and argues that such hostilities have been exacerbated by the involvement of external state actors surrounding the republic. Despite agreements forged and the UN's efforts, peace has been elusive in this region, and for many reasons, including conflicting claims to natural resources, and the realpolitik aims of various countries and of ethnic groups in and outside the DRC. This paper gives a sketch of current developments in the country and the prospects for genuine peace. INTRODUCTION: BEFORE THE FIRST CONGO WAR To know more about ORF scan this code Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is a public policy think-tank that aims to influence formulation of policies for building a strong and prosperous India. ORF pursues these goals by providing informed and productive inputs, in-depth research and stimulating discussions. The Foundation is supported in its mission by a cross-section of India’s leading public figures, academics and business leaders. © 2016 Observer Research Foundation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from ORF. HARISH VENUGOPALAN
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