Global Issues
The Democratic Republic of the Congo
Name _____________________________________ Date _______________________ Period____
Directions
 Using the link: Global Issues: Why are there so many Civil Wars in Africa?
 Search box: Democratic Republic of the Congo
 As you read the article on the Congo, answer the following questions.
1. Why is the conflict in the D.R.C. called a World War?
2. When did the fighting begin? Describe the devastating effects of the war?
3. What is the colonial legacy that led to this conflict?
Watch the video clip: Patrice Lumumba and take notes.
Belgian Rule in Congo
Struggle for Independence
Two year struggle to establish new government & first election in Congo
1
Instability & Belgian intervention led to succession of Katanga region
Back to the Article
4. What happened to Patrice Lumumba? Who was involved? Why did it
happen?
5. Who did the U.S. help to put in power after Lumumba?
6. How & why did the U.S. support this leader?
7. The U.S. backed dictator rule is described as, “Corruption, siphoning off
massive personal wealth, a plunge in copper prices, and mounting deb led to
_____________________________”.
2
8. Compare the acquiring of wealth of King Leopold II and Mobutu Sese Seko.
9. When was Mobuto was finally out of power?
10. Which African leader replaced Mobutu? How is his rule described in the
article?
11. Not all groups supported the new leader, which African countries sided with
the opposition groups in the Congo?
Laurent Kabila/Government
vs.
Rebel Fighters/Opposition to Kabila
12. Who controls the eastern part of the country? What is located in the eastern
part of the country?
13. What happened to Lauren Kabila in 2001? Who was sworn in as new
president?
3