Question

Third time's a charm?

Which political challenges did the Democratic Republic of the Congo face after gaining independence? Check all that apply.

unfair elections
secession of provinces
dictatorships
military coups
civil war and conflicts

Answer 1

Secession of provinces

The Katanga province had declared its independence from the Republic of the Congo a few days before the United Nations approved a resolution that authorized the creation of an intervention force. South Kasai seceded a month after Katanga.

Military coups

Col. Joseph Mobutu of the Congolese National Army orchestrated a coup on September 14th, 1960, and forced the Soviets out of the country.

Mobutu started another coup nearly 5 years later and took control over the country. **

Dictatorships

Mobutu started another coup in 1965, and under his control, Congo became a dictatorship. **

Civil war and conflicts

The Congo Crisis was a politically turbulent period that started days after the Congolese gained independence.