The book examines the decolonization process in the Congo, highlighting the rise of the nationalist movement and key elements of post-independence policy since 1954. It places particular focus on the significant events following the Leopoldville explosion, analyzing the political and social forces that emerged as a result and their impact on the country's trajectory.
The book provides a comprehensive analysis of fifty years of African independence, highlighting three recurring cycles of hope and disappointment in various states. It begins with the initial excitement of independence in the 1960s, which gives way to disillusionment and authoritarian regimes. The narrative then shifts to a period of radicalization and state growth in the 1970s, followed by crises in the 1980s. Finally, it explores the resurgence of optimism during the democratization wave that began in the 1990s, drawing from extensive research and personal experiences.