Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja Book order

The political history of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is marked by its transition from King Leopold II's private ownership to a nation grappling with poverty despite abundant resources. Governance failures since colonial times and ongoing external exploitation have hindered national development. The book highlights the struggles of the Congolese people, who persistently seek democracy and sovereignty amidst a backdrop of societal and political crises, driven by a lack of effective leadership and a commitment to the common good.

Patrice Lumumba was a leader of the independence struggle in what is today the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the country's first democratically elected prime minister. After a meteoric rise in the colonial civil service and the African political elite, he became a major figure in the decolonization movement of the 1950s.

A political history of the Congolese democratic movement in the 20th century from a significant player in the country's struggle. Topics covered include: the brutality of colonial rule; independence in 1960; external inteference from the US; Mobutu's regime; and periodic warfare.