The Congo from Leopold to Kabila is a comprehensive history of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from its beginnings as a private colony of Leopold II of Belgium to the reign of President Laurent Kabila. Written by Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, a Congolese historian, the book provides a detailed analysis of the various events, personalities, and factors that have shaped the country’s history. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the complex and often tragic history of the DRC.
Chapter 1: The Colonization of the Congo
The first chapter of the book provides an overview of the colonization of the Congo by Leopold II of Belgium. Nzongola-Ntalaja describes how Leopold’s private colony was characterized by brutal exploitation and violence, with the king’s agents using forced labor to extract rubber from the Congolese people. The chapter also discusses the resistance to colonial rule, including the formation of the Alliance des Églises Réformées au Congo (AERC) and the subsequent Belgian takeover of the colony.
Chapter 2: The Making of the Congo
In this chapter, Nzongola-Ntalaja examines the period of Belgian rule in the Congo. He describes how the Belgians implemented a policy of divide and rule, pitting different ethnic groups against each other and using this strategy to maintain their control over the colony. The chapter also discusses the development of a Congolese elite, many of whom were educated in Belgium and returned to the Congo to help administer the colony. Finally, the chapter explores the growing nationalist movement in the Congo, including the formation of the Confédération Générale du Travail de l’Afrique Équatoriale et du Congo (CGT) in 1956.
Chapter 3: The Congo’s Struggle for Independence
This chapter focuses on the struggle for independence in the Congo. Nzongola-Ntalaja describes how the Belgian authorities responded to the growing nationalist movement by cracking down on dissent and imprisoning activists. He also discusses the role of international organizations like the United Nations in pressuring Belgium to grant independence to the Congo. Finally, the chapter explores the events leading up to independence, including the formation of the Mouvement National Congolais-Kaléla (MNC-K) and the subsequent elections in 1960.
Chapter 4: The Mobutu Era
The fourth chapter of the book examines the rule of Mobutu Sese Seko, who seized power in a coup d’état in 1965. Nzongola-Ntalaja describes how Mobutu implemented a policy of Zairianization, which aimed to replace foreigners with Congolese nationals in key positions. He also discusses the growing corruption and economic mismanagement under Mobutu, which led to widespread poverty and suffering in the country. Finally, the chapter explores the growing opposition to Mobutu’s rule, including the formation of the Rassemblement Démocratique Africain (RDA) in 1990.
Chapter 5: The Rise of Laurent Kabila
In this chapter, Nzongola-Ntalaja examines the rise of Laurent Kabila, who led a rebellion against Mobutu’s regime in 1996. He describes how Kabila’s forces were able to defeat Mobutu’s army with the help of foreign mercenaries and the Rwandan government. The chapter also discusses the aftermath of the rebellion, including the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity and the subsequent elections in 1997.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Congo from Leopold to Kabila is a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nzongola-Ntalaja provides a detailed account of the various events, personalities, and factors that have shaped the country’s history, from the brutal exploitation of the colonial period to the corruption and mismanagement of the Mobutu era. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the complex and often tragic history of the DRC.
Interested in reading the whole book?
Buy the book “The Congo from Leopold to Kabila” on Amazon
