The Congo-Zaire Experience, 1960-98 FROM THE PUBLISHER
This book describes the experience of a huge Central African colonial country, suddenly plunged into independence in 1960, the first Prime Minster, Patrice Lumumba, being beset by rivals for central power and bouts of separatism. Lumumba was murdered in obscure circumstances. A UN peace-keeping force was rushed to the Congo to prevent the mineral-rich Katanga province breaking away from the republic. Hammarskjold, the UN leader, also died, on a mysterious mission on an aircraft (packed with arms and ammunition) that crashed.. "After the departure of the United Nations, warlords struggled against one another until Mobutu triumphed, remaining executive president for many years, being directly supported by the USA and certain Western states during the Cold War period. Mobutu fended off his opponents, unearthed plots against him and defeated separatist invasions. Mobutu's name became synonymous with graft, corruption and skulduggery. In 1997 a Tutsi army supported by Rwandan and Ugandan allies, declared war on Kaliba, his successor, who had meanwhile gained the military support of Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Thus two Central African coalitions, hostile towards each other, both with predatory intentions, have internationalized the brewing civil war in the Congo.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
Describes the experience of a huge Central African colonial country, its sudden plunge into independence in 1960, and its political struggles over the following decades. Chronicles events from the murder of the country's first Prime Minister through warlord strife, US support, corruption, and hostile political and ethnic coalitions. The author is a freelance journalist who has covered over 20 wars and insurgencies and written extensively on international relations, defense, and strategic problems. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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