The Congo from Leopold to Kabila. A People's History

The people of the Congo have suffered a particularly brutal experience of colonial rule; and, following independence in 1960, external interference by the United States, the rapaclous and dictatorial regime of Mobutu, and periodic warfare which even now continues fitfully in the East of the country. But the Congolese people have not taken these multiple oppressions lying down. They have struggled to improve their living conditions by trying both to establish democratic institutions at home and to free themselves from exploitation from abroad. Professor Nzongola-Ntalaja's deep knowledge of personalities and events, and his understanding of the underlying class, ethnic and other factors at work, make this a compelling, lucid, radical and utterly unromanticized account.

'Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja is one among those very few intellectuals who possesses the background, the knowledge, the commitment and the vantage point from which to assess the historical possibilities for contemporary Congo.' - Mahmood Mamdani, Herbert Lehman Professor of Government, Columbia University 'This book could not be more timely. It throws new light on the past struggle for democracy in the Congo while indicating possible directions for the future. Political leaders, civil society leaders and activists, indeed all Congolese patriots and intellectuals, should read this remarkable book' - Mbaya Kankwenda, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria 'A leading Congolese scholar-activist, Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, delivers his magnum opus. The book is the product of a lifetime of study of Congolese politics, both as observer and participant. The richly documented narrative makes clear why Congolese nationalism survives the collapse of its state, the many decades of oppressive rule, and the depredations of external forces.' - Crawford Young, University of Wisconsin-Madison 'It is refreshing to have a well-written popular history of the Congo by a Congolese scholar and sometime activist' - Choice 'Authoritative books in English on the Congo are scarce, so this work by a leading Congolese academic is welcome' -Gail M. Gerhart, Foreign Affairs This book is the winner of the African Politics Conference Group (APCG) first Best Book Award 2003