De erfenis van Mobutu

Abstract

This article intends to give an explanation of the possible consequences for Zaire of 25 years of Mobutist regime. This is important, because during the second republic there was a constant growth of a regime sui generis with fundamental characteristics that, in the near future, will have an important influence on thepolitical, social and economic events. - The division of the enormous amount of power could result in heavy quarrels. - For years, there has not been an independent political elite, so that the formation of such an elite in a short period of time will be very difficult. - The patrimonialistic style of government has resulted in a political environment that is composed of informal networks and "dependent relations, with in the centre Mobutu. - The continuing cycle of opposition and collaboration has brought severe damage to the image and credibility of the opposition. Besides, there is a big gap between the political elite and the population.  - The policy of ethnic mobilisation has increased the ethnic consciousness. - Patrimonialism and parasitism have generated a pandemic corruption in all layers of the population. - The policy of borrowing money has led to gigantic debts and the loans have not led to any development of the economic capacity. - The insecure position of the political and economic executives has created a spiral of insecurity and corruption, which, on its turn, has created an dialectic of repression. KEY WORDS: Mobutu, Political reforms, Zaire