A. EXPLOITING RESOURCES

One of the first roots of the Congo crisis is the exploitation of resources. International interests were high for these resources and every armed group inside and within the Congo profited from illegal exploitation and trade of diamonds, gold and coltan. International demand for coltan helped fuel the crisis in the DRC since it is used for many products like cell phones. Because it was rich in minerals, Congo was the best way to gain individual wealth considering the fact that the situation inside it was unstable and unprotected. There was not a stable government to protect the country’s interests. Even when the government existed, it had significant corruption and did not put the common interest above its self-interest. Because of these factors, the DRC was a great soil for the development of crime and corruption.

The first government of the republic started working in 1960. As mentioned, Joseph Kasavubu served as President and Patrice Lumumba served as Prime Minister. Immediately, a new government faced a national mutiny from the army as well as many threats from secessionist movements. The prime minister made significant changes in the country. Lumumba was a true patriot to the DRC, not beholden to European powers. However, western European nations and the United States were concerned about his political leanings towards Marxism, so they supported Mobutu in overthrowing Lumumba. Soon after, Lumumba was killed by secessionist troops, led by Joseph Mobutu. Lumumba would probably have been killed anyway because of his many enemies; his “leanings” were fatal for many criminal groups and Mobutu’s action was only the fastest.