Under the leadership of Mobutu, the country experienced Nepotism,
mismanagement, patronage and corruption. The standard of living for the
masses deteriorated while he and the elite plundered the coffers of the state.
Kleptocracy was very evident in the ruling of Zaire. This paper will look at the
failure in the transformation of Zaire after pressure from the west.
Mobutu’s non-transition to democracy
After the Cold War has ended, the strategic importance of Zaire to the West
became less vital. The west became more active in promoting democracy and
good governance. In fear of losing aid from the west (World Bank and IMF) –
Democratisation was a pre-requisite for aid, Mobutu called for a series of
public meetings to discuss the country’s problems, looking at suggestions to
solving them.
This resulted in the forming of a large quantity of political parties. Some were
formed at the command or Mobutu, others were formed by people who
previously belonged to Mobutu’s party. It was then announced that only 3
political parties could be formed.
Violence
From 1990 – 1993, violence was very much part of the life in Zaire. Motutu’s
troops descended on the University of Lubumbashi, killing students. The army
rioted over non-payment of salaries, resulted in the killing of 250 people in
Kinshasha. Troops opened fire in a peaceful rally led by priests. Again, soldiers
, went on the rampage over payment of their salaries with notes they could not
use.
Failed National Conference
The aim, or at least the front that Mobutu wanted to send out there, of the
conference was to resolve the modalities (way it is done) of transformation of
the political system and to agree to share power with the opposition.
Unfortunately, Mobutu was not eager to share anything or to relinguish the
position of president. He manipulated the process by buying off opposition
groups and fomenting violence in the country.
Mobutu appointed Tshisekedi as first prime minster which barely lasted a
month. The second prime minister was Nguza Karl-I-Bond who also did not last
very long. The national council replaced him with Tshisekedi. Tshisekedi and
Mobuto fought over power. Mobuto controlled forces of coercion and
tressury, while Tshisekedi controlled the High Court. Tshesikedi refused to
relinguish his position when Mobuto wanted to replace him with Faustin
Birindwa.
It was clear that there was no progress made in the deliberations. Mobuto
dissolved all “governments” and announced a date on which elections would
be held.
Zaire: the weak state
By now Mobuto was not really in charge of the country. The World Bank
declared Zaire insolvent, closed its offices in Kinshasa and cancelled all Zaire’s
outstanding lines of credit. Government administration only affected the cities
of Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. In the rural areas, people went on living,
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