This summary is a in-depth and complete analysis and summary of the Independent Africa topic (Congo/Zaire case study) as prescribed in the 2021 History SAGS. Part of the grade 12 IEB History syllabus - Topic 2.
Part of the coup that took place in 1960 (backed by Belgium and the CIA) ECONOMICS OF THE CONGO/ ZAIRE
Played a key role in handing Lumumba to the Katanga regime Congolese economy was
Colonial powers designed colonies to
structured to benefit Belgium
provide a specific good and when the
Civil war continues amongst four regions till 1965 (another coup took place) -
need for that good weakened then the
military coup, Mobutu took power (supported by CIA) Little secondary industry +
economy of the colonised weakened
Colonies exported raw materials
RULED FROM 1965 - 1997 Made Congo a one party state, renamed it
‘Zaire’ and renamed himself Mobutu Sese Seko Congo became economically
At the time of independence Zaire
(part of his ‘Authenticite’ policy - make Congo dependent on colonial powers -
Killed anyone in cabinet was seen as a third world country
more African). Also renamed streets and places, could not grow enough food, only
he found suspicious (still one of the most prosperous
revival of culture and clothing cash crops were planted and lacked
African economies at the time)
the finances
USED THIS FOR HIS CULT OF PERSONALITY
RULED BY FEAR PRE 1960 After secession and Katanga and Kasai, ended in 1963 the mines
1967 - only political party were nationalised – drop in demand = large impact on the
Often described as “charming but
allowed = no opposition economy
ruthless” - used brutal force to stay MOBUTU SESE SEKO’S
ONE PARTY SATE
in power RISE TO POWER
RESULTING MODERN CONGO – THE CONGO TODAY
CAPITALIST (FREQUENTLY MADE USE OF KLEPTOCRACY)
ECONOMIC FACTORS - AFTER INDEPENDENCE
Currently one of the poorest countries in the world (part of
Mobutu’s rule)
USA provided him with A form of political and government
financial and military aid + corruption where the government exists to Nationalised all farms and Corruption and
Had a ‘free’ election in 1970 increase the personal wealth and political industries mismanagement destroyed
(only he could be voted for power of its officials and the ruling class at the active economy
and it was rigged) the expense of the wider population When copper demand fell
(main export) in the 1970s, Country’s infrastructure was
Used Cold War rivalries to ally with the west (used their fear of losing another they could not pay off foreign not properly developed
African country) debt
Food prices were high + High
Low life expectancy inflation
Mobutu nationalised all foreign
Mobutu sold off country’s wealth
owned companies in 1971 but gave The congo is a failed state as the are not economically self-
to encourage foreign investment -
control to family members and friends determining and the quality of life in low with high levels of
only reinforce neo-colonialism
- contributed to economic collapse poverty and corruption – FAILED PAN AFRICANISM
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