Democratic Republic of Congo.
The name of the country comes from the local name "River" - "Kong".
Administrative division of Congo. The state is divided into 9 regions and the metropolitan district.
The form of the Board of Congo. Republic.
Head of the state of Congo. President, term of office - 2 years.
The highest legislative body of the Congo. One-Parable Legislative Council.
The highest executive body of the Congo. Government.
Major cities of Congo. Lubumbashi, Kisangani.
State language Congo. French.
Fauna Congo. Representatives of the animal world of the Congo - Elephant, Lev, Leopard, Chimpanzee, Gorilla, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Ogap, Zebra, Wolf, Buffalo. Numerous reptiles, among whom Mamba (one of the most poisonous snakes in the world), crocodile, Python are particularly distinguished. From birds - Flamingo, Pelican, Parrot, Heron, Naknica, African Shortse Chibis. Also lives a large number of insects, including the Tsetz fly, Malari Komar. In and lakes a lot of fish (up to 1000 species).
Rivers and Lakes Congo. The country is the most thick in Africa a river network. The main river Congo and its numerous tributaries. Many rivers are replete with thresholds and waterfalls.
Attractions Congo. In Kinshasa - the National Museum, in Lubumbashi - the Museum of African Art, in Eaau - a huge Botanical Garden, in Likasi - Geological Museum. Natural attractions are reserves, national parks, as well as colorful waterfalls, such as a cascade of 70 Livingston waterfalls in the lower countries of the Congo, not far from the ocean.
Useful information for tourists
The peoples of the Congo have rich cultural traditions - musical, dance and art. Such crafts are preserved everywhere as wood carving, bone, baskets. Of particular interest are wooden sculpture and masks with distinctive features of each ethnic group.
Weather, climate
The Republic of Congo (not to be confused with the Democratic Republic of the Congo) covers an area of \u200b\u200b342,000 km². It has land borders with five countries: Gabon in the West, Cameroon and Central African Republic in the North, the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) in the East and Angola in the south. The extreme southwestern borders are washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Capital - Brazzaville.
The relief of the country is diverse, from the plains and depressions to the alpine plateau. The average height of the mountain ranges: 700-800 meters above sea level. The largest rivers: Qille and Congo. In the north of the country, wet tropical forests are running, which make up 50% of territories. In the south, highly harvested savannahs spread.
Congo runs in two climatic belts: Equatorial (in the north) and subequatorial (in the south). Seasons are divided into two seasons: dry and wet, which alternate throughout the year. July is one of the coldest months of the year, with average temperatures + 22 ° C. January, on the contrary, hot, the air warms up to + 26 ° C. From May to September and from January to February there are no precipitation or they are very scarce, this period is called a dry season. Tropical showers pour from March to April and from October to December. These seasons are called wet. Air humidity high throughout the year.
The best time to visit the country is a dry season. To decide on the departure date, read the weather by months.
Weather in the Republic of Congo in January
From January to February in the country lasts a short dry season. This time is great for travel. The average temperature of the air is kept at + 26 ° C. In the capital, Brazzaville indicators vary from + 23 ° C to + 17 ° C. The average wind speed is 6 km / h. The precipitation falls a little up to 45 mm in the capital. Humidity level is 80%. Water warms up to + 26 ° C ... + 28 ° C.
Weather in the Republic of Congo in February
In February, there is a relatively dry season, the level of precipitation in the capital reaches 55 mm. In the rest of the regions, up to 120 mm of precipitation falls. On average, the air in the country is heated to + 28 ° C heat. In the capital, brazavil indicators range from + 22 ° C to + 32 ° C, humidity reaches 79%. The wind is weak, up to 6 km / h.
Weather in the Republic of Congo in March
In March, the dry season is replaced by a short rainy, which will last two months. The precipitate falls often and abundantly. In the capital, the indicators reach 77 mm, in the rest of the territories - up to 170 mm. The first month of spring is the warmest per year. In Brazavil, medium temperatures range from + 23 ° C at night to + 32 ° F. Humidity above 80%. The air throughout the country is heated to + 28 ° C. The water on the coast reaches the maximum temperature + 29 ° C.
Weather in the Republic of Congo in April
Rain and thunderstorm continue in April. In the capital this month, up to 83 mm of precipitation falls, throughout the country, these indicators reach 183 mm. In the capital day + 33 ° C, at night + 23 ° С. The water temperature is kept at + 29 ° C. The wind blows at a speed of 6 km / h. The average temperatures in the country range from + 27 ° afternoon to + 22 ° C at night. Air humidity 79%.
Weather in the Republic of Congo in May
In May, the average daily temperatures continue to fall. There is a long dry season, which will end in October. The average temperature in the country varies from + 22 ° C at night to + 27 ° F. The maximum indicators this month was + 32 ° C. In the capital, medium temperatures range from + 23 ° C to + 31 ° C. The water temperature on the coast is down to + 28 ° C. The wind is weak, up to 6 km / h. Air humidity 81%.
Weather in the Republic of Congo in June
In the central regions of the Congo, the dry season is clearly indicated. Here from June to July there are no precipitation or they are minimal. In the capital drops to 0.1 mm dew. The air temperature drops to + 26 ° C ... + 21 ° C. In the brazavil, during the day + 29 ° C, at night the air is cooled to + 25 ° C. The humidity level is 80%, the average wind speed is 6 km / h. The coast water is lowered to a temperature of + 22 ° C ... + 23 ° C.
Weather in the Republic of Congo in July
This month there is a decrease in daily temperatures throughout the country, as July is one of the coldest per year. The average indicators are kept at + 25 ° C ... + 29 ° C. In Brazavil, the air temperature ranges from + 19 ° at night to + 28 ° F. The minimum indicators dropped to + 20 ° C. Air humidity 77%. In the capital this month there is no precipitation. Wind speed is 7 km / h. The water on the coast is cooled to + 20 ° C ... + 22 ° C.
Weather in the Republic of Congo in August
In August, the air is gradually warming up, reaching the average + 25.5 ° C. This month drops 160 mm precipitation, which bring moisture to 75%. In the capital, the average temperature at night lowers up to + 20 ° C, during the day the air heats up to + 29 ° C. The precipitation is extremely scant - up to 0.3 mm. Water temperature + 21 ° C. In the most windy days, wind gusts reach 8 km / h.
Weather in the Republic of Congo in September
September is the last dry and the most windy month before the start of the rainy season. Wind gusts reach 9 km / h. The average temperatures in the country range from + 21 ° Happy day to + 27 ° C at night. The maximum indicators this month reached + 30 ° C. In the capital, Brazaville day + 22 ° C, at night + 31 ° C. Water warms up to + 22 ° C ... + 24 ° C. At the end of the month, up to 200 mm of precipitation falls.
Weather in the Republic of Congo in October
In October, the long season of rains begins, which will last until December. The average temperatures in the country range from + 26 ° afternoon to + 22 ° C at night. In the capital, the air warms up to + 31 ° C, cooling up to + 22 ° C at night. It drops down 60 mm of precipitation, humidity rises to 82%. Sea temperature on the coast + 25 ° C. Humidity 67%. The wind blows at a speed of 6-7 km / h.
Weather in the Republic of Congo in November
November - the most rainy month of the year. In the capital drops to 135 mm of precipitation. Humidity rises to 85%. The average temperatures in Brazzaville ranges from + 22 ° afternoon to + 31 ° C at night. Water on the coast warms up to + 26 ° C. The wind blows at a speed of 6 km / h.
Weather in the Republic of Congo in December
In December, the amount of rainy days is significantly reduced. This month in the capital drops to 90 mm of precipitation. Average countries vary from + 21 ° C to + 27 ° C. In Brazaville, the air is cooled at night to + 22 ° C, the day is heated to + 31 ° C. The wind blows at a speed of 6 km / h, air humidity is 82%. Water on the coast is not lower than + 26 ° C.
Total area: 2.34 million square meters. KM
Population: 55.85 million people.
State device: republic
Head of State: the president
Religion: Christians - 50%, adherents of local beliefs - 40%, Muslims - 3%.
Official language: french
Currency unit: Congolese Frank
Geography
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the largest country in Central Africa and the third largest state of the continent. Total area - 2.3 million square meters. km. Most of the country is located in the Congo River Basin. It borders from the Congo - in the North-West, with the Sudan and the Central African Republic - in the north, with Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania - in the East, with Zambia - in the south, with Angola - in the south and west.At the extreme West, DR Congo has access to the Atlantic Ocean at a very short section of the coast (40 km.) Between Angola and Congo. In the east of the country, mountain relief prevails - Massif Ruvenzori and Volcanic Mounts of Virung (height up to 4507 m), with existing volcanoes. Higher point - Peak Margherit (5 109 m.). In the West and the south, predominantly plains covered with wet equatorial forests and secondary savannas in the West, and in the south and south-east - dry tropical palpals.
Climate
Mostly Equatorial, constantly wet. In the southern half and on the northern outskirts - subequatorial. The average air temperature ranges from +25 s to +28 C, the daily differences reach 10-15 C. Two rainy and two dry season: "Small" dry season - January-March, "Small" rainy season - April-May, Winter Dry Season - June-August, Rainy Season - September-December.The precipitation in the equatorial zone falls 1700-2200 mm. per year, especially strong rains come from April to May and from September to November. Equatorial shower in these months is strong, but short-term (usually - in the afternoon). Further from the Equator (south and north), dry periods are more clearly expressed: in the north - from March to November, in the south - from October-November to March-April. Precipitation is less - up to 1200 mm. In the mountains is cooled, and the precipitation falls more - up to 2500 mm. in year.
Currency
Since 1993, the monetary unit since 1993 is a new Zaire (exchange rate: $ 1 equal to about 115 thousand new clay). The new national currency is enrolled in the appeal - Congolese Frank. Currency exchange for local money is possible freely as in banks, specialized exchange offices and hotels and on the "black" market (the rate difference is 1-2%).Banks work from 10.00 to 16.00 from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 to 11.00 - on Saturday. Visa Credit Cards, MasterSard, Access, American Express, Diners Club and Travel Checks are accepted for payment in most hotels, shops and restaurants in the capital, but the use of them in other cities causes a lot of difficulties. Tips are 10% in restaurants (in cafes and street bars practically do not apply, but the encouragement of staff besides the invoice).
sights
Nearly 15% of the territory occupy Reserves and National Parks - Virung, Garamba, Garamba, Kahuzi Biega, North Salonge and South Salonge, etc. The wet climate of the country supports the life of thick jungle - the latter in the world of extensive tropical forests inhabited by a variety of wild animals. Only in Zaire, for example, Okapi is found - small forest animals of the giraffes families who have become a national symbol of the country. In the savannas south of the country lions, leopards and antelopes live.The main attraction of the country is the Congo River. Although this river officially calls Zaire since 1971, her wild appearance is inextricably linked with the mysterious, full of secrecy, during which she was known as the Congo-endful of the Portuguese Western African Word, meaning the "river that swallowed all rivers." On the shores of this fantastic river, and in fact feel the thrill in front of the power of nature: more than 4370 km. In length, with a swimming pool of 3.9 million square meters. km, it is inferior to the consumption of water only Amazon, pouring almost 42.5 thousand cubic meters to the Atlantic Ocean. m. Water per second.
In the Equatorial Wet Tropical Forest there are some of the most thick and impassable chains in the world: oak, a red tree, gevent and ebony are exceeded in a height of 60 m. And under the interlacing of their crowns, the eternal twilight reigns. Under this colossal canopy there is a genuine hell with extremely thick thickets, suffocating wet heat, hazardous animals - crocodiles, piton, cells, hairy forest pigs and poisonous spiders - and exile, including even mortal diseases - malaria, schistosamotosis and others.
Finally, the most mysterious labyrinth lies between the river and the fabulous lunar mountains - Ranweenzori Range, which serves as the Eastern Water Decoration of Zaire. In the northeastern part of the Grand River Arc, the Stanley Waterfall is a series of waterfalls and thresholds in which the river is about 100 km. descends to a height of 457 m.
This is followed by a shipping segment of 1609 km long, passing to the Malele Bul (once Stanley Pool) - the space of over 20 km wide., Share Kinshasu, the capital of Zaire, and Brazzaville, the capital of the Congo. Livingstone's waterfalls are located behind the Male Bowl, a 354-kilometer segment of a river, which includes a whole series of thresholds and 32 picturesque waterfalls, the last of which ("The Devil Boiler") river breaks out of the crystal mountains and falls to the sea level.
Large lakes - Mobutu sesian Sex, Edward, Kivu, Tanganyik, MVERU and numerous rivers of the country - Aruvi, Ubanggi, Lomami, Kasia, etc. are excellent fishing regions, and with appropriate experience and equipment can provide unforgettable sensations for alloy lovers or Historic Travels - The Route in the footsteps of Henry Morton Stanley, who previously, who had previously served with Foreign Tourists, is again available for passing, although it is considered an extremely risky enterprise.
Rules of entry
Visa regime. A visa can be obtained at the Embassy of the country or at the border point. The minimum amount of visa decoration in the embassy is 15 days. Required documents: 3 Questionnaires in French, 3 photos, passport, invitation and certificate of vaccination against yellow fever. The validity of the visa to the entry is 30 days. Consular fee - $ 50. A visa-free transit is not allowed. Children under 16 fit into the visa of parents (mother). Visas on site are issued with great difficulties in the special appeal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Customs regulations
Export of local currency is prohibited, import and export of foreign currency is not limited. You can import cigarettes - up to 100 pcs., Or cigars - 50 pcs., Or tobacco - up to 0.5 kg., Alcoholic beverages - 1 bottle, perfumery and cosmetics - within a personal need, cameras. Radio engineering is subject to a duty.Currently, there is no clear rules in connection with the lack of a new customs law and the rates of customs duties.
Customs workers in the inspection are guided by the principle of "reasonable quantity". The importation of mercury, radioactive materials, narcotic drugs, the import of weapons and military uniforms is prohibited - only for special permission. It is prohibited from the removal of gold in ingots, untreated diamonds, unprocessed ivory, rare animals.
Capital - Kinshasa
Geographical position and relief
The second country in Africa is located in the central part of the African continent. It has a small coastline of the Atlantic Ocean in the West. It borders with such countries as: Angola and Zambia in the south, the Republic of Congo in the West, in the north of the CAR and South Sudan, in the east of Tanzania (on the Lake Tanganyika), Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda.
Relief area rises from west to east. The northwestern part of the country is in the lowland of the Congo, the southeast, as well as the East represents mountainous areas, the ridges of Mount Mountains are stretching here, for the most part of the state, especially in the center there is a plateau intersectable by the numerous rivers of the Congo River basin.
Economy
The state of the Democratic Republic of Congo is the poorest (according to studies of 2012), mainly due to the enormous population, an unstable political situation and decays of prices and demand for the main export goods. There is a catastrophic unemployment in the country (almost 50%).
In agriculture, approximately 65% \u200b\u200bof working inhabitants are occupied. The main cultures are manic, coffee, cocoa, bananas, corn, rice, etc. Livestock is developed weakly due to the numerous spread of harmful insects (Tsetz fly). The republic is rich in natural resources, in the reserves of which the state occupies leading places in Africa and the world (copper, zinc, cobalt ores, diamonds, germanium, tantalum, oil and others). In industry, such industries are more developed such as mining, processing (enterprises are concentrated mainly in the region of the capital).
Climate
The republic is located in the equatorial (in the north) and the subequatorial (in the south) climatic belts. The average annual temperature is kept approximately in the area + 26 ° C. The precipitate most of the territory falls out evenly about 1000-1700 mm per year.
Population
The population of the DRC is tirelessly growing and by 2016 is 78,740 thousand people, which is 20 million more than in 2006. The ethnic composition is diverse, there are more than 200 nations: Luba, Congo, Mongo, Bantu and others.
The population is 48.9 million people (1998). In the capital Kinshas there is approx. 5 million inhabitants.
Colony of Belgian Congo gained independence on June 30, 1960 and became the Republic of Congo. In August 1964, the country was named the Democratic Republic of the Congo. President Joseph-Desire Mobutu on October 27, 1971 renamed it to the Republic of Zaire. On May 17, 1997, after the overthrow of the Laurer-Dezir of the Cabille of Mobuta regime, the country has regained the previous name - the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
NATURE
Relief and water resources.
The central part of the DRC is an allyuvial plateau of the average height of OK. 910 m above U.M. In the south-east of the country and along its eastern border, the ridges of Mount Mountains with a height of 1520-4880 m above U.M., the highest point of which, Peak Margherita (5109 m), is located on the ruvenezori massif. The entire territory of the DRC is located in the R. Kongo pool (second in length in Africa) and its numerous tributaries. The most important among them are Ubanga, Lualaby, Aruvimi and Kasia, forming their own extensive river system. There are many swamps in the country, and R. Kongo in several places expands and forms lakes, in particular, Males (Stanley Pool). The largest lakes are located chain along the Eastern Border: Albert, Edward, Kivu, Tanganica (Natural Border with Tanzania) and MVERU. The largest of the lakes inside the country - Mai Nombe and Tumba.
Climate.
Climate in the pool R. Kongo Tropical with a small difference in the temperatures of the cool month, July, and the hottest, February. The average annual temperature is approx. 26 ° C, precipitation falls from 1100 to 1700 m per year, mainly in the rainy season from October to March. In the mountains of Kivu and Shaba (previously - Katany), the climate is cooler and land.
Soil and natural vegetation.
The best soils are in the floodplains of the average flow of R. Kongo, where IL accumulate. Approximately 64.7 thousand square meters. km in the Equatorial part of the pool R. Konggo occupies a rain tropical forest with high trees and closed canopy. To the north and south, it is replaced by park savannate palpathics, and in the field of Kivu in the east of the country there are pure grasses.
The natural vegetation of the country is very diverse. In the forests there are many valuable wood species, in particular, red and ebony, as well as palm trees, rubberos. In a wild form, bananas, cotton and coffee tree grow. In the south-east of the area of \u200b\u200bthe Schab (Katanga) extends the extensive belt of the edded. One of the most important sources of businesswood - Forest Maumbe with an area of \u200b\u200b5.2 thousand square meters. km from the Atlantic coast, but in principle, it is believed that there are almost half the territory of the country, suitable for exploitation.
Animal world.
The animal world of the DRC is rich and diverse. Elephants, chimpanzees and other primates, lions, leopards, jackals and many different snakes are found in forests and gentlemen. Rivers are replete with crocodiles and hippopots, and Savannah - African buffaloes, antilopes and other herbivore hoofs. In DRC, several national parks, of which are the most important - Virung around Oz. Edward. From the birds are found endemic storks, parrots, ibis, crags and herons. Among the insects are abundant pathogens of diseases of people and cattle - Malari mosquitoes and fly Tsetz. Lakes are rich in many kinds of fish.
POPULATION
Demography.
Estimates of the population, like most available statistical data on Congo, are unreliable. It is difficult to carry out accurate calculations, because within the country, rural residents migrate to cities, and from a number of neighboring countries - Angola, Burundi, Rwanda and Sudan - periodically migrate refugees who sooner or later return back. According to official censuses, the population in 1970 was 21,638 thousand people, in 1974 - 24,227 thousand, and in 1984 - 29,671 thousand in 1992 the Ministry of Internal Affairs estimated the number of residents of the country in 40 million. According to the most accurate independent estimates, in 2003, 56.6 million people lived in the country.
Annual population growth was approximately 2.9% in 2003 and was mainly due to natural growth, since the birth rate significantly exceeds mortality. In 2003, the birth rate was 45.12 per 1000 people, and mortality - 14.87 per 1000. Most experts believe that the real mortality was higher due to the decline of the economy and the field of medical care, but its true scales are unknown. The highest rates of population growth were observed in the south of the country and in the cities. In rural areas of the North, the demographic situation was relatively stable. Despite the fast urbanization, in the mid-1990s, approximately 55% of the Congolese remained rural residents. The average life expectancy in 2003 was estimated at 46.83 years in men and 51.09 years in women.
Ethnic composition, language and religion.
The indigenous population of the territory of modern DRC was Pygmeni, inhabitants of Central Africa. Currently, they remained little and live only in the deaf forest areas. The ancestors of the peoples that constitute the main part of the DRC population, settled here in II-I thousand BC. During numerous migrations. There are approximately 250 peoples and ethnic groups in the country, the overwhelming majority of which speaks Languages \u200b\u200bto the bow. Among the most numerous and better studied ethnic groups - Bagonthogo in the west of the country, Mongo in the center of the pool R. Kongo, Babuba in the south and in the center of the eastern part of the country, Lund in the south, Bashi about the lake. Kivu and Azand in the northeast.
Regional languages \u200b\u200bof inter-ethnic communication are the Kikongo in the West, Chilub in the south of the central part of the country, Swahili in the east and lingala in the north and in the center of the R. Kongo basin. The most common African language in the Lingala. They are spoken in Kinshasas and Brazaville, the capital of the neighboring Republic of the Congo. It was the lingala that was the only African language, which from colonial times and to overthrow the mobuta was used as a means of communication in the armed forces. The lingala shows most folk songs. The official language is French, which is used in state and educational institutions, in the armed forces and in business life.
About 90% of the population is Christians. Approximately 60% of them Catholics, the rest are Protestants, kinchangists (supporters of the Christian African Church) and a small number of Orthodox Christians. The number of Muslims inhabiting the mostly eastern and northeastern part of the country is approx. 2 million people.
Cities.
Since the 1950s, an impressive pace occurs urbanization of the DRC. In the capital of the country, Kinshasa in 1940 lived only 47 thousand people, by 1957 - 380 thousand, and by 1991 - approximately 4 million in the last estimates, the population of the capital ranges from 5 to 6 million people. Economic and political crises significantly affected the demographic situation in other major cities. The population of the population in areas where ethnic cleansing was passed, for example, in three important centers of the mining belt of the copper belt - Lubumbashi, Kolvelisia and Likasi. The population of Mbuji-Mayi, Kanangani, Kisangani, Goma and Bukavu, where they found the refuge. Despite the process of reducing jobs in cities that began in 1991, their population continues to grow. In the absence of reliable statistical data, the approximate population of regional centers of the country in the late 1990s was assessed as follows: Lubumbashi, Mbuji Maye and Kisangani - approx. 1 million people each, Kananga, Goma and Bukavu - 0.5 million people, colvessia and Likasi - a quarter of a million people. Other major administrative and business centers with a population of at least 100 thousand people - Mbandaka, Bandundu, Matadi and Boma. Mbuji Maya - Diamond Mining Center in the field of East Kasia, Kivita - Palm oil processing. The main seaport - Matadi, located upstream not far from the mouth of R. Kongo. Minor freight volumes are processed in the Boma port located above the Congo. It is planned to build a deep-sea port in the town of Banana located on the Atlantic coast.
In the colonial period, the Belgian administration controlled internal migration, limiting the inflow of the population in the city. After the proclamation of independence, these restrictions were removed, and the mass of people, mostly rural youth, rushed to the city. The spontaneous growth of cities led to the fact that the center of each major city, where administrative buildings, shopping centers and capital houses built by the state or private companies appeared, there were huge regions of slums. One of the most serious problems of the Congolese cities is unemployment.
State system and politics
From 1965 to 1990, the regime of a strong centralized presidential power existed in the Congo. President Mobutu focused in his hands a huge authority. Mobutu came to power after the 1960-1985 period, when the country was covered by chaos and separatism, and the weak federal government was unable to restore order. The corruption of the state apparatus and the long Board of Mobutu led to a violation of domestic political stability in the late 1980s and the mass requirements of political reforms. In 1990-1996, the political leaders of the country led long and difficult negotiations on the democratization of the political system. In October 1996, war broke out, the dictatorship of Mobutu fell out, and in May 1997, a new regime headed by Laurent Cabille came to power. In August 1997, another grouping of rebels, behind which they stood Rwanda and Uganda, resumed military actions. The armed opposition announced that she intends to dismiss the President of the Cabil and establish a democratic regime in the country.
The traditions of strong centralized power in the Congo developed in the colonial period, but after the announcement of independence, the authoritarian regime could no longer provide the high rates of socio-economic development of the country. Under the conditions of the one-party system, when the power relations were built on the principle of "Cartridge - Customer", most of the state resources became the personal property of the autocrat ruler and its closest entourage.
Federal authorities.
In 1965-1990, Congo managed authoritarian regime, and the entire executive was in the hands of the president. On the presidential election held every seven years, Mobutu was elected on a non-alternative basis. A unopalaptional parliament, consisting of loyal members of the ruling party, argued the budget and took the necessary laws.
In 1990, attempts were activated to reform the political system from above, to create a more efficient and corruption authorities in the transition period. It was assumed that the presidential powers would be limited, and the executive activity would be under the control of parliament, an independent judicial system and a free press. Mobutu and his surroundings hosted in every way the process of democratization, which at all stalled after the office coming to power, which prohibited the activities of political parties.
Regional and local authorities.
The 1967 Constitution abolished the Federal Device of the Congolese State, declared in the Constitutions of 1960 and 1964, and restored the centralized structure of regional and local governance. According to the Constitution 1967, the governors of the regions, the heads of the administration of districts and smaller territorial units were appointed by the Central Government. The number of areas was reduced from 21 to 8, and later increased to 10. In addition, the capital of Kinshasa received the status of the region. Currently, the country is divided into the following areas: Bandundu (Administrative Center Bandundu), Lower Congo (Matadi), Equatorial (Mbandaka), Upper Congo (Kisangani), West Kasia (Kananga), East Kasai (Mbuji Maya ), Katanga (Lubumbashi), Moneya (Kindu), Northern Kivu (Goma) and South Kivu (Bukavu). Further, the territory of the regions was divided into 24 districts and 134 rural districts or territory. At the grassroots level, the power functions carried out leaders and elders, which were appointed by the government, taking into account their traditional status in the local community.
In 1992, the meeting on political and constitutional reforms, known as the Supreme National Conference, approved the course to the federalization of the state device.
Major political organizations.
In 1967-1990 the ruling and the only legal political organization was the part of the World Revolution, the People's Movement of the Revolution (NDR). Trade unions, women's and youth organizations were built on a national basis and worked within the framework of the NDR. With the introduction in the 1990 multi-party system, the mobuto party monopoly was put in the political life of the country, which was the culmination of a ten-year-old opposition struggle for a multi-party democracy. The opposition stated itself in 1980, and in 1982 he created a party to the Union for democracy and social progress (SDSP). After 1990, hundreds of political parties and public organizations have emerged, which have become an integral part of the democratic movement.
During the transition period 1990-1997, almost all political organizations of the country were divided into two main camps. The first supported President Mobutu and advocated saving the status quo. It was submitted by the organization of the Political Forces of the Conclave, named as in connection with the Assembly, which the properrement forces conducted in March 1993 to remove democratic elements. Supporters of the second camp united around the organization called the Holy Union of the Radical Opposition and its allies, who advocated fundamental transformations and declared adherence to the decisions of the National Conference. In May 1997, the President of the Cabil banned the activities of these political groups and in general of all parties. The Alliance of the Democratic Forces for the liberation of Congo, the coalition of the four opposition groups, established in October 1996 to combat Mobutu regime, became the only legal political organization of the country.
Judicial and legal system.
Justice in the DRC is nearing the standards of both the general law, "writing law" and the usual law. The state judicial system where the norms of common law are applied, built on the same principles as Belgian. At the grassroots level, mainly in rural areas, the courts of leaders act, which are guided by the norms of customary law. Their jurisdiction is limited by the resolution of local controversial situations.
Foreign policy.
DRC - UN member, African Unity Organization (OAU), African Development Bank, Southern African Development Community and other international organizations, supports diplomatic relations with most states of the world.
Armed forces.
Since mobuta seized power as a result of a military coup in 1965, the main support of his regime was the Congolese armed forces. According to the statistical data leaked in 1993, OK. 90% of the officer was the fellow president, the natives of the Equatorial region, about half of the generals belonged to the same small ethnic group as Mobutu, Ngbadi. Countrymen president prevailed in elite military units that made up about a quarter of the number of armed forces, the 15-thousand presidential guard, military intelligence service, security authorities, immigration service, semi-military police forces. In general, 60 thousand men and women who served as part of the regular parts of gendarmerie, land forces, landing and mechanized units, in small and poorly equipped aviation, as well as in the parts of the coast guard, were poorly prepared, lived on unimportant conditions and Received a scanty salary. The army existed due to extortion and banditry, the soldiers often terrorized and robbed civilians. As a result of massive robberies and the earliecies committed by military personnel in Kinshas and other cities in 1991 and in 1993, many modern shopping centers were destroyed. All this contributed to the decay of the national armed forces as a combat force and tool for maintaining the law and order. The Congolese army failed to resist the armed rebels who overthrew the mobutu and led to power the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the liberation of the Congo.
The Alliance did not have his own army, except for 4-5 thousand Congolese who served in the auxiliary parts of the Angolan army, who returned to their homeland to help the Cabil, and thousands of adolescents (Kadogo), which the Cabile put under the gun during the seven-month march from Roma to Kinshasa. It is part of the National Angolass Army who served in them the Congolese won three decisive battles: they broke the Serbian and Croatian mercenaries during Kisangani, defeated the presidential guard with Lubumbashi and the detachments of the Angolan rebel of Jonas Savimby under Kenge. Under the command of Rwandan officers, other military operations were carried out: the destruction of the Hutu refugee camps, which were used by the Huti extremists to continue in Rwanda Tutsi Genocide, and the seizure of the main cities and administrative centers of the Congo. Until July 1998, the post of headquarters of the Congolese Armed Forces held a citizen of Rwanda James Cabaret.
By the end of 1998, DRC remained without a national army. The so-called official army, the Congolese Armed Forces (KVC) were somehow formed from the remnants of the Mobutov army, the soldiers of the auxiliary parts of the Angolan army, known as Katangian gendarmes or "Tigers", as well as Kadogo. It is not surprising that this separated, poorly prepared and undisciplined army could not resist the resistance of the army of the Congolese association for democracy formed from the FCCs, including military personnel of the former mobutov army, and the Congolese Tutsi, who received military training in Uganda and Rwanda. In addition to the two army mentioned, several other divisions of militia acted in the northeastern regions of the country.
ECONOMY
DRC, whose subsoil is rich in minerals, has the most powerful economic potential among tropical Africa countries. The country has significant energy resources - hydropower, oil and natural gas, which began to be developed only in recent years. DRC ranks first in the world in the production of industrial diamonds and cobalt and is one of the world's leading manufacturers. Economy DRC diversified, although the products of the mining industry prevails in exports. Agriculture continues to provide means to the existence of an overwhelming part of the population, but the role of industry is steadily increasing. Main Industrial Centers - Kinshasa Corridor - Matadi, Copper Mining Area Katanga and East Kasia, Diamond Mining Center. In the colonial period, the companies owned by the Belgians were monopolized by the mining industry, as well as the most important branches of agricultural and industrial production. The authorities of the independent Congo restricted the activities of foreign corporations. In 1974, the government expropriated small and medium-sized foreign enterprises and plantation farms.
The collapsing of the organs of the authorities and internal civil workers who followed the proclamation of independence also undermined the economy. Strongly from the country left the most qualified civil servants, managers and technical experts (mainly Belgians). The cost of combating separatists, the impossibility of collecting taxes in many parts of the country, and the Katangi branch put the central government to the line of bankruptcy. The volume of production in most sectors of the economy has sharply decreased. Since 1966, the process of improving the economy has begun. The army was able to restore order on the territory of most rural areas. In 1967, the government conducted a number of economic reforms that contributed to the development of trade and investment influx. In addition to the introduction of a new and more stable currency, Zaire, the authorities of the country have weakened control over import operations and canceled the restrictions introduced in 1960 by foreign companies in the border.
In the mid-1970s, the country again entered the lane of the economic crisis, which continued in the 1990s. Since export receipts only partially covered considerable import costs, the government made large foreign loans. The growth of export receipts was held back by low world prices for major export products - copper, cobalt, coffee and diamonds. Financial assistance was required by foreign banks and international organizations to serve foreign debt. By 1997, his amount was $ 13.8 billion. Since agricultural production did not provide the needs of the population, the government was forced to spend foreign currency reserves for food imports. Economic difficulties were aggravated by the deplorable state of infrastructure, especially vehicles. Annual budgets were reduced to a significant deficit that there was a high level of inflation with other economic issues.
The protracted political crisis of the 1990s is the interrupted transition to democracy and war 1996 and 1998 - led to a further deterioration of the economic situation, the disintegration of the mining industry, trade, banking and service sector.
Gross domestic product.
In 1991, Congo's GDP was estimated at 133 trillion. Zairov, which approximately equal to $ 8.5 billion, or $ 233 per capita. The share of agricultural production focused on the domestic market amounted to approximately 30% of GDP, industry - 30%. The rest of the GDP was produced in the field of trade and services. In 1995, GDP was estimated at $ 16.5 billion, or approx. 400 dollars per capita. The structure of GDP was as follows: Agriculture - 59%, industry - 15%, the scope of services - 26%.
Agriculture.
The processed lands are approx. 3%, meadows and pastures - 6% of the country area. In agriculture coexist two types of agricultural production. Small peasant farms in which OK. 60% of the economically active population, produce products for their own needs and sales in the domestic market. Until now, such farms are used by the traditional system of trapped farming. Chemical fertilizers and modern techniques are almost not used. Main food crops - maniacs, bananas, corn, rice, legumes, butt and peanuts. The peasants are grown for sale cotton, coffee and sugar cane, surplus food crops are implemented in local markets.
The production of export agricultural products is focused mainly in plantation farms. Large companies specialize in the production of oils of oil palm, rubber, coffee and cocoa. Most of palm oil and nuts are made on plantations located in the R. Kongo pool in the south-west of the country. Arabica varieties are grown on high mountain plantations in the east, robust grade coffee - in the R. Kongo pool. On plantations, most tea, rubber, sugar cane and cocoa are produced.
Because of the tsets fly, the carrier of the pathogen of a sleepy disease in humans and disease "Nagan" in pets, livestock zone is limited. Cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry growing.
Forestry and fishing.
About 75% of the territory of the Congo is covered with forests. Wood valuable breeds (tick and ebony) is exported, the rest is used as a fastener material in mines and as fuel. Fish is an important source of protein in the diet of the population.
Mining industry and metallurgy.
The mining of minerals in Katanga was still 10 V. The Europeans began to develop a subsoil of the Congo in the first decade of the 20th century. By the end of the colonial period, European companies controlled almost the entire extractive industry. The most powerful of them was the Belgian "Suck of the General", which, through his subsidiary, Union Miner Du O "Katanya" (Yumok) owned the territory of the area of \u200b\u200b33.7 thousand square meters by the Rights of the Concession with an area of \u200b\u200b33.7 thousand square meters. Km, where the richest mineral deposits were concentrated Fossils. December 31, 1966 The government nationalized the property of the governance. To control the extraction, smelting and selling copper and other minerals, the State Mining Corporation Zhekamin was created. The contradictions arising in the "Suck" contradictions were resolved in early 1967, when the government handed over part of the production of copper in Maintaining her subsidiary.
After gaining independence, the Congo economy has become increasingly dependent on the mining industry. The main source of export proceeds is copper, then cobalt, diamonds, cassiteritis (tin ore) and zinc. The production of copper, which is the basis of the country's economy, is conducted in the region of Katanga. Lead, coal, manganese, zinc and cobalt are also mined. DRC is the largest supplier of cobalt to the global market. In the area that occupies the territory from the northern border of the Katangi to the northern part of Kivu, the gold, tungsten and tantalum deposits are being developed. Casais ranks first in the world for the extraction of industrial diamonds, jewelry diamonds are mined there. Women's large-scale illegal mining of diamonds, which are exported from the country abroad. Gold is mined in the northwest of the country. In 1975, the development of oil deposits on the coastal shelf began.
In areas of mineral mining, large mining and metallurgical complexes have been created. The largest centers of metallurgy - Likasi and Kolweis in Katang. Copper ore is converted to a concentrate from which copper is paid. Most of the zinc ore is processed in zinc sheet, and a part of the cassiterite is integrated into tin bars.
The political crisis of the 1990s was adversely affected the development of the mining and metallurgical industry. The volume of the annual production of copper has decreased by 90%, and the oldest part of gold and diamonds were mined by handicraft methods who preferred to work with a black market.
Manufacturing industry.
Although the first manufacturing enterprises were created in the Congo during the First World War, its development was artificially restrained before the beginning of World War II. The shortage of consumer goods in the war period stimulated the growth of the local light industry, which continued after independence. However, since the mid-1970s, the release of many types of manufacturing products is reduced annually or did not increase. Moreover, in the early 1980s, the production facilities of many enterprises acted in just 30%. Such a situation was due to limitations on currency transactions, which prevented the purchase of imported spare parts for worn out equipment, insufficient volumes of industrial raw materials and unwillingness of investors to load industrial enterprises at full capacity against the background of an indefinite economic situation.
After the wave of robberies from the military personnel, riding around the country in 1991 and 1993, there was a further decline in production, the state of the manufacturing industry has deteriorated after each political crisis. During the period of independence, the highest pace of consumer goods, in particular clothing and food, which was explained by the revolving needs of the ever-increased urban population and the lack of similar imported products. Consumer goods manufacturing enterprises are concentrated mainly in the Kinshasa region, the main industrial center of the country. Mining, chemical and metallurgical enterprises are concentrated in the mining areas of Katanga. Davils for palm oil and small food industry enterprises are found throughout the country.
Transport and energy.
The main obstacle to the development of mining and other industries is the underdevelopment of the transport system and the lack of energy facilities. The basis of the Transport network DRC is the routes of export product export products on rivers and railways. The length of almost all auto and railways is small; As a rule, they associate waterways with export production areas. In the early 1990s, most of the roads needed repairs. Transport plugs - the usual phenomenon on the r. Congo between Kinshasa and the Marine Port Matadi. Since this segment of the river is uncomfortable due to the thresholds, considerable costs of forces and means for transshipment of goods from the bargain in railway cars are required. The railway links to Katanu with foreign seaports Lobitu and Bengeloy (Angola), Bejoy (Mozambique), Dar Es Salam (Tanzania) and East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town (South Africa). In 1990, the length of the operating railways was approx. 5.1 thousand km. Due to the poor state of the railway canvase in the 1990s, accidents became more frequent.
The length of waterways is approx. 14.5 thousand km, roads (mainly ground) - approx. 145 thousand km. An important role is played by internal air transportation. International airports are located in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Kisangani. The DRC has a powerful hydropower potential estimated at 1 billion kW. However, in 1990, only 4.9 million kW / h of electricity were produced.
International trade.
DRC - exporter of production of mining and agricultural products. The main article of exports is copper, the sale of which brought the country in 1990 almost half of export revenues. An important place in the list of export goods is occupied by cobalt, diamonds, zinc and cassiteritis. As a rule, the share of minerals in exports is approx. 80%. The remaining export articles are coffee, oilseeds, rubber and wood products. Machinery, vehicles, food, textile and chemical industries, metal and metal products are imported.
The cost of exports is usually much higher than the value of imports. In 1990, for example, exports brought $ 2.14 billion, and import costs amounted to $ 1.54 billion. However, the considerable costs of maintaining the management apparatus and the service of debt in the period after the economic crisis of the mid-1970s led to a significant annual Deficiency of the balance of payments. Belgium remains the main foreign trade partner, which accounts for over a third of exports. Other major foreign trade partners - USA, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.
Finance and banking.
In order to issue a local currency, the regulation of cash flows and the implementation of credit policies in 1964 was created by the Central Bank. In the 1960s, Frank was repeatedly devalued, and in 1967 a new monetary unit was introduced into appeal - Zaire. In 1992, the financial system of the country collapsed, and in 1998 Zaire was replaced with a new Congolese Franc.
The state budget.
In the period 1960-1990, the state budget comes down with a deficit. Since 1967, the budget deficit accepted a threatening scale. Typically, annual deficits were covered at the expense of the central bank loans, which was one of the factors of strong inflation. The main source of state revenue was taxes on foreign trade operations, as well as export duties on the products of the mining industry, import duties, taxes on personal income and corporate income.
Under President Mobutu and Prime Minister Leone Kengo Va Dondo (1982-1986, 1988-1990 and 1994-1997) there was a practice of concealing the true situation in government finances, when real expenses differed significantly from declared indicators. Thus, published data on some articles of the expenditure part of the budget 1989 looked as follows: Service of public debt - approx. 29%, education - 7%, National defense - 8% and the cost of maintaining the president and its apparatus - 15%. In fact, almost half of the expenditure part of the budget was spent on the needs of the president. Most of the development programs were funded by foreign loans and subsidies. In 1989, the development budget was approx. 10% of the amount of all government spending. After the termination in 1990 foreign economic assistance, this article of expenditures disappeared from the state budget.
Society and culture
General characteristics.
People live in the country 250 linguistic groups. For many centuries, the peoples of the North Zone of Savannon Congo supported links with the population of state formations of the inland regions of West Africa and the Nile region. Located in the West, the Kingdom of Congo is still at the end of the 15th - early 16th centuries. Established relationships with Portugal and the Vatican. For the 19th century The attitudes of the peoples of the eastern part of the country with the population of the coast of East Africa, and shortly before the coming of Europeans in the field of Martya to the west of Oz. Tanganic began to arise Arab-Suakhili trade public entities. At 19 in. The peoples of the southern regions were tested by the military pressure of the South African NGONA people.
Social structure.
Although the migration processes between the city and the village continue, the social structure of the rural society is significantly different from the city. In the colonial period, the Congolese middle class was almost entirely from white. Africans had little opportunities to get a higher or secondary special education, therefore Europeans occupied the greatest part of the leading positions in the state office and companies. After the independence of Independence, the Africans occupied the highest administrative posts, and companies that continued to be under the control of foreigners were prescribed to recruit managerial personnel from Africans. Since 1960, the African middle class began to form in the Congo. There are quite a lot of African entrepreneurs in the country, however, the process of becoming an African bourgeoisie is at a slower pace.
A significant detachment of employees has developed in the mining industry, on plantations, transport and light industry enterprises. After independence, a numerous group of partially occupied or fully unemployed people appeared in the country, consisting mainly of young people. They live with random earnings, street trade or thanks to help who have a permanent job of relatives. The overwhelming majority of the Congolese farmers owns small metals, where they grow food cultures, as well as commodity cultures, if there is an opportunity to sell them profitable.
In some areas, located mainly in the eastern part of the country, the influence of traditional social structures remains.
Religion and religious institutions.
In the colonial period, Christian missionaries were active among the local population; By 1960, their number in the Congo reached 10 thousand people. Special patrons of the colonial administration used the Catholic missions, which were led by the Belgians. Churches and missions became educational centers for Africans, where they began to put forward on leadership posts long before such a practice had taken root in administrative bodies and foreign companies. Thanks to the religious and educational activities of the missions, the overwhelming majority of Congolese have been drawn to Christianity.
An important role was played by the third in the number of Christian community - an independent African Church, the chapter of which in 1921 was Simon Cymbang. In his teaching, S.Kombang joined the ideas of Protestantism and African traditional beliefs. The Belgian authorities considered that the preaching of the Cymbang on Africans's God's viability pose a threat to European domination in the Congo. S.Kombanga, like many of his followers, was put in prison, where he died after 30 years of imprisonment. Nevertheless, Kimbangism supporters became more and more, and in 1959, Cymbangism was recognized as an official religion. In 1969, the Church of Jesus Christ on Earth, founded by Simon Kimbang, became a member of the World Council of Churches with headquarters in Geneva.
The fourth and small Christian community in the Congo are supporters of the Orthodox Church, which make up less than 1% of the Congolese Christians. Although the Orthodox faith was brought to Congo Greek merchants, whose churches remained exclusively Greek even after independence, a significant number of Congolese adopted Orthodoxy, as a result of which another influential religious community arose in the country.
One of the fastest growing religious communities in the Congo - Muslims. From the places of their traditional influence in the east and northeastern countries, Islam applies throughout its territory. Islam penetrated the Congo in the middle of 19 century. With Arab-Suakhili traders, slaves and ivory from Zanzibar and from the coast of East Africa. Muslim Congolesees are easily distinguished by white long robes common among the Islamized population of the coast of East Africa.
Organizations and social movements.
After World War II, a variety of Africans organizations emerged in the Congolese cities; College graduates Associations, Intellectual Leisure Clubs, Ethnic Associations and Trade Unions.
Until 1967, the trade union movement was split into three major organizations, which was a consequence of conflicts between the Catholic and socialist unions of Belgium, as well as personal ambitions of trade union leaders. In 1967, within the framework of the one-party regime, all trade unions were combined into one. Independent trade unions have been revived after the cancellation in the 1990 union-party system.
Students had the most stubborn resistance to the establishment of the control of the ruling party over its organization. After a number of serious conflicts with the regime, the student movement was incorporated into the youth organization of the ruling party. After 1990, students, like other social groups, have received the right to participate in any legitimate social and political activities.
Education.
The first schools appeared in the Congo at the end of the 19th century. After graduation, the Africans had the opportunity to continue education only in Catholic seminary.
After the war, the colonial administration began to assist Christian missions in expanding the school system. In 1948, government subsidies were first allocated to Protestant missions. The focus was paid to an increase in the number of elementary schools. After 1960, this problem was in the center of attention of all governments. In the early 1970s, the cost of education exceeded 25% of the state budget. The economic crisis of the 1980-1990s has fallen into a detrimental effect on the entire education system. To survive in the conditions of lack of funds to pay for the work of teachers, the purchase of everything necessary for the educational process and repairing school buildings, employees of education are forced to seek help to parents of students. High School End diplomas are issued to graduates from government after successful government exams. Students of schools in remote areas are poorly prepared for these exams, which lack teachers and textbooks. Due to the difficulties of rural life, teachers with a university diploma prefer to work in urban schools.
In 1954, the Belgians created a Catholic University in Leopoldville (Sovr. Kinshasa), and in 1955 - State University in Elizabtville (Sovr. Lubumbashi). After 1960, a number of new higher educational institutions appeared in the Congo. So, in 1963 Protestant University was opened in Stanlyville (Sovr. Kisangani), in different cities of the country opened doors of medical, agricultural, technical, commercial and other universities. In 1971, all three universities were merged into one - the National University of Zaire, but in 1981 each of them was returned by the status of an independent educational institution.
HISTORY
Prior to the establishment of colonial rule in the south, west and east of the modern DRC there was a number of state entities, some of them were quite large on the territory and population. With the exception of the Northern and Northeastern Occaras, the entire population of the country spoke to the Languages. The greatest trace in history was left the kingdom of Congo, Cuba, Luba and Lund.
In 1484, when Portuguese navigators reached the mouth of R. Kongo, the first contacts between Europeans and the local population were established. Due to the thresholds, the Portuguese could not climb up the river more than 160 km. True Europe learned about the Congo thanks to the geographical studies of Henry Stanley and other European travelers of the late 19th century. Attempt by G. Stanley Interested in the results of its discoveries of the Great Britain's power, and then he turned to the King of Belgium Leopold II, which was found in the person who found an ally. The Belgian monarch conducted a subtle diplomatic game and managed to achieve the participants of the Berlin Conference of European powers of 1885 consent to transfer to his personal ownership of the "independent state of the Congo", the territory of which was 80 times more than the territory of Belgium. Leopold II Board was noted by cruelty in relation to the local population, and the first human rights movement appeared on the wave of mass protests - the organization "For reforms in the Congo". In 1908, the Belgian king signed a decree on the transformation of the "independent state of the Congo" to the Colon of Belgium, called the Belgian Congo.
In the next 40 years, Congo managed a peculiar triumvirate from the colonial administration, a Catholic church and mining and agricultural companies. Until the mid-1950s, Belgium managed to isolate the Congo from the rest of Africa, however, since the second half of the 1950s, the Congolese began to receive more and more information about the liberation movements in neighboring countries. Despite the persecution of the colonial authorities, political parties and organizations began to be created in the Congo. Belgians made the creation of elected municipal councils in several cities, but political parties were permitted only after mass riots in January 1959 in Leopoldville (Sovr. Kinshasa).
January events undermine the confidence in the Belgians, and the colonial administration began to pass one position after another. However, concessions were late, and to establish relations with the Congolese political organizations managed only after the promise of official Brussels to provide Congo complete independence on June 30, 1960.
The most influential party was the national movement of the Congo (NDK), which was created in October 1958 with young educated conglase, which represented various ethnic groups and areas. The Lumumba NDK headed by Patris sought to become a nationwide organization. Although the largest support for NDK was the population of the Eastern province and regions, where the language of the Congo was distributed, until the declaration of independence, he managed to spread his influence on a number of other areas. The dynamic and radical party of Lumumba especially impressed the Congolese youth. In 1959, the party turned out to be weakened when some of the most educated party leaders came out of it, in particular Syril Adula and Joseph Ileo, in the future of the country's prime ministers. Another consequence of the split was the creation of Albert Calonia, the leader of the Karia rival with the NDC of the same name of the National Movement of the Congo - Congori (NDK - K). Unlike the party, the National Movement of the Congo - Lumumba (NDK - L), which was supported by different ethnic groups, NDK - K relied on the Babba living in the province of Kasaia.
The other political organization, the National Progress Party (PNP), the coalition of conservative politicians and leaders, was used by national support, which was created with the support of the Belgians. This party was distinguished by the moderation and the gleam taught, its leader was Paul. Cooling Congolese has deciphered the French Abbreviation of the Party Name (PNP) as follows: "Parti Des Négres Payés", i.e. "Party of bribed blacks."
Other influential political parties were expressive to local or ethnic interests. The Union of the People of Barkong (Abaco) was created in 1950 as a cultural and educational organization Barkong. In 1956-1959, he transformed into a political party headed by Joseph Casavubu. Having a solid support in the province of Lower Congo and Leopoldville, Abaco led political work mainly among the Bagonthgo and repeatedly advocated the creation of an independent state of the people of Barkong in the borders of the medieval state education Congo. Nevertheless, the leaders of the party agreed to enter into the first government of the Independent Republic of the Congo. Created in 1958 of the African Solidarity Party (PAS) united in its ranks various ethnic groups of the people of Queila and Quango province Leopoldville and led the active work among the workers of Leopolville, immigrants from these areas. The leaders of PAC Antoine Gizenga and Cleafas Kamitat managed to create a party, which was distinguished by radicalism and a good organization. In order to defend the interests of Katanga, with the support of European settlers in 1958, a confederation of the Katanga Associations (Konakat) was created. Initially, this party united in its ranks of representatives of all the main ethnic groups of Katani, however, in November 1959, the Babube of the Northern regions came out of its composition, which then formed their own political organization on an ethnic basis - the Association of Babuba Katanga (Babbakt). Konakat was not a massive party, her supporters united the common interests of the African elite of Katanga and those who lived there. Managed Moise Combe and Godfruha Munongo.
At the 1960 parliamentary elections, the Lumumba parliamentary elections won 33 out of 137 deputy mandates in the House of Representatives, 8 more places went to its allies. Representatives of the five provinces of the country entered the NDK faction. PNP in parliament was represented by 14 deputies from three provinces. 13 seats won candidates from Paz and 12 - from Abaco, all in the constituencies of Leopolville. NDK - K received 8 deputy mandates from the province of Kasia. Candidates of Konakat and Babbakat won 8 seats from the province of Katanga. The remaining places in the House of Representatives shared small parties and independent candidates.
In a situation, when none of the parties or coalitions provided themselves, the only logical step was the formation of a government led by representatives of the NDK - L and its allies. A coalition government was formed, P. Lumumba became the Prime Minister. The temporary constitution was largely written off from the Constitution of Belgium, provided for the separation of the executive power between the president and the prime minister: the first was mostly given ceremonial functions. The President and Prime Minister were elected by Parliament. In accordance with the compromise achieved, the post of head of state took the leader of the ABACO G. Kasavubu party. Each of the six provinces chosen legislative authorities chose the presidents of provinces and members of provincial governments. The latter in most cases, like the central government, were very fragile coalitions.
Already five days after independence, the country was plunged into chaos, when the Soldiers-Congolese soldiers raised the rebellion against Belgian officers in the provinces. Riots spread over other provinces, and in the current situation, most of Belgian officials left the country. July 10, 1960 Belgium introduced his troops in the Congo. The next day, Moise Chacombe, with the support of white settlers, declared the province of Katan by an independent state. A month later, Albert Caloni proclaimed the independence of the "mining state South Kasaia".
Faced with the threat of the collapse of the country, J. Kasavuba and P. Luumumba accused Belgium in aggression against an independent state and requested help to the UN Security Council. The UN responded to this request, sending peacekeeping forces to Congo under its own flag, which was mainly from military contingents of African and Asian countries. Their task was to restore order and creating conditions for the withdrawal of the Belgian troops.
At the first stage, the UN operation was successful, but then there were disagreements between the Government of the Congo and UN officials about the nature of the measures against Katanga, where the separatist movement was strengthened with the direct support of Belgium. The Congolese side insisted on the force suppression of separatism, and the UN Secretary General Dag Hammarsheld claimed that the UN had no right to resort to military force. Understanding that the problem of the katanga should be solved at any cost, Patrice Lumumba requested the provision of military assistance to the USSR. The West used this circumstance in order to accuse Lumumba in prommunist sympathies, which led to the fall of his prestige both within the country and beyond.
On September 5, 1960, acting with the support of the West countries, President J. Kasavubu removed from power P. Luumumb and appointed a new prime minister who did not receive the support of most parliamentarians. It even more exacerbated the situation, and a week later, the head of the headquarters of the Congolese Army, Colonel Joseph Mobutu, said that she "neutralizes" all politicians and takes power into his hands. When there were signs that Mobutu's regime strengthened his positions, supporters of P.Lumumba decided to move from Leopolville to the Eastern Province of Stanlyvil (Sovr. Kisangani) and form a different central government there. When, in November 1960, P. Luumumba himself secretly left Lopolville and headed in Stanlyville, he was trampled and grabbed Mobut's soldiers.
By early 1961 there were four governments in the Congo: two of the national governments, one in Stanlimville, headed by Mobutu, the second in Kisangani led by Gizeng, Deputy Prime Minister in the Lumumba Government, and two separatist governments, one led by Chacom in Katanga, the second - from the harbor in South Kasia. The situation in the Congo was concerned about the western powers and the UN. Both in the Congo itself, and beyond the opinion that Lumumba is the only Congolese politician who is able to preserve the territorial integrity of the country. The possibility of returning Lumumba to power scared Washington, his Western allies, so the CIA continued to support the government in Leopoldville. By order, Mobutu, the arrested Lumumba was transferred to the ruler of Katanga Chombe, which January 17, 1961 ordered to eliminate the former leader of the country. In February 1961, the UN Security Council adopted a harsh resolution that required the restoration of the central government and democratic regime in the Congo, as well as the termination of foreign help Katang.
With the support of the UN and Western powers in August 1961, a compromise was made, according to which the authorities in Leopoldville and Stanlimivile had to form one government headed by Prime Minister Siril Adulav. The leaders of Katanga resolutely refused to participate in its creation. In September and December 1961, armed clashes between the UN forces and the Katanga army occurred. Long-term negotiations between S. Addulo and M. Chomba did not bring results, and only the UN military operation against the Army Czuba in January 1963 put an end to the plans of the Katangi branch.
Meanwhile, the government coalition created from Leopolville and Stanlyville representatives was broken down, A.Gizenga was arrested. These events caused mass protest performances. To preserve his unpopular domestically, but the Prime Minister S.Dula, who was supported by the outside of the regime, was forced to resort to tough measures, including the dissolution of parliament. On August 3, 1963, Lumumba supporters have formed in Leopolyville the National Liberation Council (NSO), which for security reasons soon moved to Brazzaville, the capital of the neighboring Republic of the Congo. In mid-1963, in the province of Quille, under the leadership of Lumumba Pierre Mulele, partisan detachments began to form. In January 1964, they committed armed attacks on government agencies, buildings of Christian missions and companies. In April 1964, armed actions began near the Eastern Border. The rebel folk army of liberation (NAO) in the Northeast) in July-August broke government troops and established full control over this area. September 5, 1964, a month after the capture of Stanlyville Nao, Christoph Gbenia announced the creation of a revolutionary government there.
The humiliating defeat of the Congolese army from poorly armed partisan detachments was predetermined by the fate of the government of S.Dululy. In July 1964, a new government was formed, the head of which was Mox Czymba. To strengthen the Congolese army, he called on several hundred white mercenaries and received military assistance from Belgium and the United States. In August, when trying to capture the city of Bukavu, the partisans suffered the first serious defeat. By the beginning of September, the rebels began to crowded the rebels headed by mercenaries.
November 24, 1964 A Belgian landing was reset from the US Air Force on Stanlyville. His task was the liberation of hostages from the United States and Belgium and supporting the detachment of government troops under the command of mercenaries who had to free the city from the rebels. During the operation, more than a thousand civilian conglase and many hostages were killed. Over the next few weeks, partisan detachments in the east of the country were defeated. Separate partisans groups continued to resistance for many months, and in some areas - for several more years.
A wave of indignation, which rolled around the world in connection with the Belgian-American armed promotion in the Stanlivil region, led to an increase in military assistance to partisans. Throughout 1965, the significant supply of weapons through the territory of Tanzania was carried out by China. Cuban revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara has been engaged in combat training of the Army of Laurent-Desire Cabil in the mountainous area near Oz. Tanganica. But the help came too late and could no longer influence the outcome of the confrontation between the government in Leopoldville and Lumumb Supporters.
When the victory over the rebels no longer caused doubts, Chombe created a national political unit Congolese National Agreement (CNS) and held in May 1965 parliamentary elections. Despite the complex situation, parliamentary elections were well organized, and their results almost no one challenged. In the new parliament, two warring blocks were formed. The result of an acute struggle between President J. Kasavubu and Prime Minister M. Chomba was the decision of Casavuba to appoint Kimuba's Prime Minister. Two times the candidate of Kimba was exhibited for the approval of parliament deputies, and both times he did not gain the necessary number of votes.
This situation was used by the Commander-in-Chief of the Congolese Army, General Mobutu, which on November 24, 1965 seized power in the country. Mobutu has abolished the parliamentary republic and transformed the Congo to the unitary state. Most of the Congolese support these reforms. In 1967, a new constitution was adopted, in accordance with which the Presidential Board was established in the country. In 1974, the text of the Constitution were amended, and in 1978 it was replaced by a new constitution, which provided for a significant expansion of presidential powers. Created in the 1967 Ruling Political Party People's Movement of the Revolution (NDR) was announced by the "Supreme Institute" of the country, which turned the Congo to a typical African state with a union-party system and an authoritarian regime.
In the first years of the reign of Mobutu, its regime enjoyed a certain support of the population, which is tired of chaos of the early 1960s. The president banned political parties, restored the power of the central government throughout the country and reorganized the system of government. Keeping close relations with the countries of the West, the government of Mobutu began in 1967 to the implementation of the program on the Africanization of the economy and nationalized the Giant Company "Union Miner Du Oh" Katanga (Yumok). In the 1970 elections, the NDR had no conversion to the NDR won all places in parliament, and Mobuta was Elected by the president on a non-alternative basis. In 1971, the african campaign was spread to the sphere of culture. The country was renamed the Republic of Zaire (distorted in the 15th century. Portugal is one of the local names R. Kongo, N "Zadi). Within the framework of the same campaign, a replacement of Christian personal names for African (in particular, Joseph Desire Mobutu became Mobutu seed seed), and the official ideological doctrine was adopted, which received the name of the "genuine Zairo nationalism".
Throughout the 1970s, Mobutu, preserving a generally pro-Western course, began to strengthen relations with China, which provided the Zairu economic and military assistance. In the course of the independence of the civil war in Angola, Zair, together with the United States and South Africa, rendered assistance to FNLA and UNITA, who fought against (MPLA), who was fighting supported by the USSR. The civil war in Angola turned to Zaire to the closure of rail links with the port city of Benghel, through which copper from Katanga was exported. In March 1977 and in May 1978, Katangtsy and other oppositionists invaded Angola in Katanga to overthrow the mobutu. Having obtained significant assistance from a number of Western powers, first of all from France, government troops barely overcame opponents to Mobutu.
DR Congo at the end of the 20th century
The process of weakening the Mobutu regime began in the late 1970s. His precursor was the economic crisis of 1975, and then a number of humiliating defeats of the government army at the initial stage of hostilities in Katanga in 1977 and 1978. Attempts by the international community, primarily the United States, to convince the Government of Mobutu in the need to democratize the political system and the stabilization of the economy ended in failure. Partially this could be explained by poorly thought-out recommendations, partially - the unwillingness of mobutu and his marked surroundings in corruption to go to any reforms.
Faced with the consequences of the "privatization" of the state by the President and its closest surroundings, the healthy forces of the Congolese society have formed a new democratic movement aimed at restoring legality in the country and state institutions. The main purpose of the democratic movement created in the 1980 democratic movement was the elimination of the deep reasons for the economic crisis and social degradation, the solution of a moral problem known as Le Mal Zaïrois (FR. "Zaire disease"). In 1990, democratic forces managed to make the abolition of a one-party system. At the head of the democratic movement was a group of 13 parliament deputies who demanded political reforms aimed at establishing multiparty democracy. In 1982, this group has created an opposition party of the Union for democracy and social progress (SDSP), which was an open challenge to the one-party state system. The first major action of the SDSP, which was headed by Etienne Thissecture, was a demonstration on January 17, 1989 in Kinshasi, dedicated to the anniversary of the murder of Lumumba.
Democratic forces also achieved the convocation of the Supreme National Conference. The historical Assembly of 2842 delegates who represented all the layers of the Congolese society, which represented all the layers of the Congolese society, was an epochable event in the history of the independent Congo. This forum was adopted a clear legal and organizational scheme of a two-year transitional period to democracy, which provided for the introduction of the parliamentary form of government, the creation of a temporary legislative body, the presidential post, with mainly representative functions and the Prime Minister, which is the head of the transitional government of national unity. The main tasks of the government was to achieve economic recovery and support of specialized institutions created to successfully implement the transitional tasks. The main institution was the independent election commission, which was to prepare for two years, to conduct general elections and control the course of their conduct.
By decision of the conference, the President was deprived of almost all powerful powers, but for the transitional period was left as the nominal head of the state. 71% of the conference delegates who took part in the free elections approved the candidacy of Etienne Thissekdi to the post of Prime Minister. However, in early 1993, seeking to make a split into the ranks of the opposition and to preserve absolute power, Mobutu and his clique, launched a fierce struggle with democratic forces, taking into arms the methods of state terrorism, ethnic cleansing and economic sabotage. In a situation where the armed forces prevented E.Thisseki and his ministers to carry out the country's leadership, the lack of an active government and the collapse of the entire public administration system led to the full collapse of the economy and destabilization of the domestic political situation, which vividly resembled chaos, which was overwhelmed by Congo in the early 1960s.
The failure of the non-violent transition to democracy coincided with the rampant genocide in Rwanda. Many people who have fallen in crimes found asylum in the Congo - in the fields of Northern and South Kivu. Two years later, the headed Tutsi Rwandan government decided to destroy the Baza Hutu on the territory of the Congo, which led to the seven-month war, which ended in May 1997 by the overall of the Mobutu regime and the coming to power of the Government of the Cabil. The country received the official name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1998, the relationship between the Cabill and his former Allies of Rwanda and Uganda worsened. No matter how important the external causes of wars 1996 and 1998 and their international consequences, for the Congolese, the most serious results are that the attempt to transition to democracy ended in failure, and the country is still in the deepest political and economic crisis.
History Zaire. in new and newest time. M., 1982.
Republic of Zaire. Directory. M., 1984.
