Regions of Zaire
Zaire is divided into 11 regions and 1 indepdendent city (Kinshasa). Because the country has a unitary system, the regions wield very little power and the country is highly centralized, with nearly all power concentrated in the presidency. The national government argues that de-centralization will lead to "regional factionalism, disunity, tribal chaos, and civil war," but critics allege that this is just an excuse the central government uses to maximize its authority. The regions (and their capitals) are listed as follows.
Regions
- Bandundu (Bandundu)
- Bas-Zaïre (Matadi)
- Cabinda* (Cabinda)
- Équateur (Mbandaka)
- Kasaï-Occidental (Kananga)
- Kasaï-Oriental (Mbuji-Mayi)
- Kinshasa (Kinshasa)
- Haut-Zaïre (Kisangani)
- Maniema (Kindu)
- Nord-Kivu (Goma)
- Shaba (Lubumbashi)
- Sud-Kivu (Bukavu)
Note: Zaire invaded and annexed the former Angolan enclave of Cabinda in the early stages of the Angolan Civil War, shortly before Angola became independent.
Note 2: Burundi and Rwanda are technically Zairian territories, but are "officially" independent states, thus, they aren't listed as regions.
