[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 3, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1076]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE CHALLENGE IN THE CONGO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LEE H. HAMILTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 1997

  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to my colleagues' 
attention my monthly newsletter on foreign affairs from May 1997 
entitled The Challenge in the Congo.
  I ask that this newsletter be printed in the Congressional Record.
  The newsletter follows:

                         The Challenge in Congo

       This is an important and dangerous time for Congo and all 
     of central Africa. The victory by rebel forces creates both 
     an opportunity and risk. With Africa's third largest 
     population (46 million) and vast mineral wealth, Congo 
     (formerly Zaire) could become an economic powerhouse for all 
     of central Africa. Its natural bounty, however, was ravaged 
     by the corrupt rule of President Mobutu. For years Congo has 
     been virtually without a government. If its new leaders turn 
     out to be little better, Congo could descend into violent 
     conflict and even fragment. Given the stakes, U.S. policy 
     should make an intensive effort to steer it toward stability, 
     free markets, and democracy.
       Roots of revolution. The successful revolution against 
     Mobutu has its roots in the remote eastern Zaire. Rebel 
     leader Laurent Kabila, though not a Tutsi himself, led the 
     alliance there against Mobutu and Hutu militants from Rwanda, 
     both of whom were oppressing Tutsis. Surprising everyone, 
     Kabila's forces swept across Zaire in seven months, and 
     toppled Mobutu on May 17. But Kabila did not capture the 
     country alone. Rwanda, Uganda, and Angola gave him 
     significant help to avenge Mobutu's meddling in their own 
     politics.
       Kabila untested. Many questions remain about President 
     Kabila and his government. His forces are suspected of 
     killing thousands of refugees. He has espoused Marxism in the 
     past, yet we know little about his present intentions. In his 
     rhetoric he supports markets and democracy, but it will be 
     some time before we can see whether he has fulfilled his 
     promises. He has disbanded parliament, dismantled the 
     constitution, and banned political activity outside his 
     movement, which he has declared the national authority.
       The challenge before Kabila is formidable. Mobutu virtually 
     destroyed the country and its society. Kabila's task is to 
     remake both. The population must be prepared for democracy, 
     and the country's economy rebuilt. Kabila must keep the 
     disparate elements of his alliance together, reach out to 
     include all elements of the population, and promote autonomy 
     to prevent Congo from fragmenting.
       U.S. interests in Congo. Though we do not have security 
     interests in Congo, the U.S. has a significant stake there. 
     First, Zaire has large deposits of diamonds, gold, cobalt, 
     and copper, and U.S. firms stand to gain from investment in a 
     stable Congo. Second, a successful transformation in Congo 
     could spark growth and better the lives of people throughout 
     central Africa. Third, if Congo were to collapse, the 
     suffering would be great. The U.S. could become involved in 
     costly humanitarian relief or even military intervention. We 
     should not ignore Congo, as we have in the recent past, lest 
     the country cascade into chaos.
       Our policy toward Congo should be part of an overall post-
     Cold War approach to Africa, working toward civilian, 
     democratically-elected governments, and market reforms. It is 
     in U.S. interests to see a secure Congo at peace with itself 
     and its neighbors, moving toward democracy and meeting the 
     basic needs of its people. We want a stable government based 
     on fiscal discipline, an open economy without corruption, and 
     respect for human rights.
       Next steps for U.S. We have leverage with the Kabila 
     government, and we should use it to further these interests. 
     First, as a show of goodwill, we should extend a helping 
     hand. We should come forward with some modest transitional 
     aid, and offer a larger package if Congo meets conditions 
     related to economic reform and good governance.
       Second, we should continue to press Kabila to form a broad-
     based, inclusive, and honest transitional government. 
     Representatives of anti-Mobutu opposition groups, church and 
     civic groups should be invited to serve. The U.S. should also 
     stress transparency and accountability in government: after 
     the Mobutu years, people will want to know where funds are 
     going. Security concerns are paramount for Kabila right now, 
     but it is also important that he honor his pledge to hold 
     elections within two years.
       Third, the U.S. should help the UN and relief organizations 
     gain access to refugees in Congo, many of whom are in dire 
     need of humanitarian assistance. The U.S. must oppose any 
     attempts to persecute refugees and should continue to press 
     Kabila to grant access to the UN to conduct an objective 
     accounting of reported killings of refugees during the war.
       Fourth, the U.S. should urge Congo's neighbors who 
     intervened in the war to help Congo now find the right path. 
     Rwanda, Uganda, and Angola have significant weight with the 
     new regime. These nations should not pursue only their narrow 
     security interests, but should encourage Kabila to pursue 
     reconciliation and an inclusive government.
       Finally, the U.S. should encourage the World Bank and the 
     IMF to move into Congo as soon as the Kabila government meets 
     conditions to gain access to their funds. They have far 
     greater resources and expertise than the U.S. or any other 
     single donor. There must be no room for squabbling in the 
     international community, and actions must be coordinated. The 
     new regime is short on economic expertise, and will need 
     outside help in setting sound economic policies. Rebuilding 
     Congo's infrastructure and demobilizing troops are important 
     tasks the new government faces.
       Conclusion. One must admire the people of Congo. They have 
     endured great hardship and shown resilience and courage. Now 
     Congo is poised to move from the Mobutu years to a better 
     future for its citizens, and the U.S. has significant 
     interests in this transformation. For the United States, the 
     question is whether we have the will, interest, and patience 
     to pursue and sustain our policy. There are difficult demands 
     ahead, and the U.S. should help Congo become a success in the 
     heart of Africa.

     

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