Difference between revisions of "Zaïre"

Revision as of 16:25, 16 March 2006

Republic of Zaïre
République du Zaïre

Flag and coat of arms of Zaïre
Motto: Justice - Peace - Work French: Justice - Paix - Travail
Anthem: La Zaïroise
Capital	Kinshasa 4°24′ S 15°24′ E
Largest city	Kinshasa
Official language(s)	French (Lingala, Kikongo, Swahili, Tshiluba are national languages)
Government President Prime Minister	Republic Léopold Honoré Mobutu Victor Ngbanda
Independence -Date	From Belgium June 30, 1960
Area  - Total  - Water (%)	2,345,410 km² 3.3%
Population  - 2006  - Density	60,000,000 24/km²
GDP (PPP)   - Total   - Per capita	$47,768,876,387.87 $9,553.78
Currency  - Exchange rate	Zaïre $1 (USD) = 2.0564 Zaïres
National animal	Leopard
Time zone  - Summer (DST)	CET, EET (UTC +1 to +2) not observed (UTC +1 to +2)
Internet TLD	.zr
Calling code	+243

The Republic of Zaïre (French: République du Zaïre) is a Central African nation bordered by Central African Republic and Sudan on the north; Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania on the east; Zambia and Angola on the south; and Republic of the Congo/Congo-Brazzaville on the west. Zaïre, the third largest nation in Africa, is blessed with vast reserves of minerals and other natural resources, making it one of the most geologically wealthy nations in the world and a potential economic powerhouse; however, since its chaotic debut as an independent nation on June 30, 1960, it has suffered considerably, from one catastrophe to another, including, but not limited to, the Congo Crisis, severe repression, corruption, and economic crisis, and later, two devastating civil wars, the First Congo War and the Second Congo War; the latter went on to become the most deadly conflict since World War II, earning it the nickname Africa's World War.

History

Note: This deals exclusively with Zaïre (or rather, the NS Zaïre) of March 5, 2006-present; for previous history, click here.

A "coup of conscience?"

As of early 2006, the civil war was still ongoing, with the peace process progressing sluggishly (if at all), the economy in free-fall, starvation and disease rampant, and sporadic skirmishes and pervasive lawlessness in the southeastern portions of the country. Waiting in the wings was a mysterious lieutenant general, Léopold Honoré Mobutu, who grew disgusted and frustrated with the dire straits his country was in and the inept, hopelessly corrupt politicians, staged a "coup of conscience" in order to save the country "from anarchy, corruption, and violence." He immediately declared himself President and renamed the country Zaïre, in "honor" of Mobutu Sese Seko (no relation), whom he professed to admire deeply. Citing the peace, political stability, patriotism, and prosperity characterized by Mobutu's early years, he pledged to "revive the great legacy of a once great man, and bring greatness to this nation." However, first he began a "house cleaning" operation that saw hundreds of politicians, black marketeers, fraudsters, and others accused of corruption, heinously executed before huge audiences, after being hastily tried and found guilty by kangaroo courts. As the new Mobutu was himself quite corrupt, many wondered if those individuals were really executed for corruption, or because they were potential threats; of course, they wondered quietly, as the new Mobutu also was quick to revive the old intelligence services, secret police, etc. of the "old Mobutu" era. As Mobutu endlessly praised the "old Mobutu" and his "legacy of the early days," Zaïreans were quick to notice that the unsavory aspects of the old Mobutu regime- rampant corruption and severe repression- had returned as well, in full force. He had, for example, once again made the [[Mouvement Populaire de la Revolution the sole legal party, and had made membership compulsory for all citizens. They could only hope the original Mobutu's pitiful economic legacy (post-1974, that is) would not be brought back, as well, as Zaïre's economy was in shambles as it was.

"Radicalization of the Revolution"

It was not long before he declared a "radicalization of the revolution," as "the old Mobutu" had done in the mid-70s. This entailed several extremely radical, drastic, sweeping changes.

Zaïrianization

One of these major changes was called Zaïrianization. Like the original program of that name, this one was short-sighted, far-fetched, ill-planned, hampered by corruption, and doomed to failure. All foreign-owned estates, banks, stores, businesses, plantations, and other properties were seized without compensation (although the President falsely promised that full compensation would be provided) and given "to sons of the country" (in reality, to political allies, party stalwarts, family members, and friends, as well as enemies whose loyalty he wanted to buy).

International reaction

This caused an international uproar, especially in Disraeliland. In addition to the deleterious effect it would have on the Zaïrean economy and on the Zaïrean people, the Disraeliland government denounced the move as tyrannical, immoral, and a blatant violation of property rights. Disraeliland subsequently seized Zaïrean properties in their country, threatened to take the matter to court, and threatened to recall their ambassador, Emily Chan. A heated argument ensued between the governments of the two countries, and, with neither of them able to see eye to eye, they both recalled their ambassadors.

Authenticité

Authenticité, too, was a revival of one of the "old Mobutu's" programs of the same name.