Crisis in the Congo 1 | Page 8

Palaces built off corruption

As a Mercedes rolled up to the palace grounds, the guests catch glimpses of rolling marble fountains, a family chapel and a gazebo looking out over a lagoon. The pillars that lead to the palace beaming lights illuminated lush gardens. Then guests take their seats at the table while smiling butlers serve roast quail over fine china plates and a man pours loire valley wines. The night begins with the President’s words of "Bon Appetit," as the sounds of the jungle echo around them in the small town known as the "Versaille of the jungle."

Mobutu’s palaces were an example of extreme wealth and extravagances, but where did he get all the money to lead such a luxurious life? That question can be answered by understanding one of the reasons why the Second Congo War started; corruption. In the 30 years that Mr.Mobutu was president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, he turned the entire government into a corrupted mess, which, by the end of its reign would skim money off the top of international aid to keep for themselves. In the end, the corrupt government was brought down by the neighboring Rwanda in 1997 who invaded because they were furious that the congo had sheltered the people, which they thought were responsible for the genocide which killed 20 people.

By: Liam Jay

The Congos natural resources with major population centers