Table of Contents

Introduction 1. Imperialism, Belgian Colonialism and African Resistance 2. The Struggle for Independence 3. The First Congo Crisis 4. The Second Independence Movement 5. The Mobutu Regime: Dictatorship and State Decay 6. The Struggle for Multiparty Democracy 7. Conflict in the Great Lakes Region Conclusions

Promotional Information

A political history of the Congolese democratic movement in the 20th century from a significant player in the country's struggle. Topics covered include: the brutality of colonial rule; independence in 1960; external inteference from the US; Mobutu's regime; and periodic warfare.

About the Author

Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja is a renowned scholar of African politics and an international consultant specializing in public policy, governance and conflict-related issues. Despite being forced into exile, he has played a role in his own country's difficult transition from the Mobutu dictatorship, most recently as chief representative of the democratic opposition on the National Electoral Commission of the DRC.

Reviews

'Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja is one among those very few intellectuals who possesses the background, the knowledge, the commitment and the vantage point from which to assess the historical possibilities for contemporary Congo.' - Mahmood Mamdani, Herbert Lehman Professor of Government, Columbia University 'This book could not be more timely. It throws new light on the past struggle for democracy in the Congo while indicating possible directions for the future. Political leaders, civil society leaders and activists, indeed all Congolese patriots and intellectuals, should read this remarkable book' - Mbaya Kankwenda, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria 'A leading Congolese scholar-activist, Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, delivers his magnum opus. The book is the product of a lifetime of study of Congolese politics, both as observer and participant. The richly documented narrative makes clear why Congolese nationalism survives the collapse of its state, the many decades of oppressive rule, and the depredations of external forces.' - Crawford Young, University of Wisconsin-Madison 'It is refreshing to have a well-written popular history of the Congo by a Congolese scholar and sometime activist' - Choice 'Authoritative books in English on the Congo are scarce, so this work by a leading Congolese academic is welcome' -Gail M. Gerhart, Foreign Affairs This book is the winner of the African Politics Conference Group (APCG) first Best Book Award 2003