The Congo

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29354, 5 November 1960, Page 12

The Congo

The promise of stable government that Colonel Mobutu appeared to offer the Congo has not been fulfilled. It now seems likely that before the end of the year the Congo will be back to the unpredictable Mr Lumumba, and perhaps to the anarchy that led to United Nations intervention. Colonel Mobutu is only partly responsible for his failure; but he has unfortunately not been able to establish a strong central authority. He has failed to maintain discipline among his troops and he has not been able to rally political support to President Kasavubu. His more significant inability to co-operate with the United Nations force is not altogether his fault, since some of the United Nations representatives have not concealed their distaste at having to deal with him. They are impressed by the fact that Colonel Mobutu’s position depends on armed force alone while constitutionally Mr Lumumba is still Prime Minister. That is approximately the view taken by the Indian Government (among others); and the principal United Nations representative in the Congo is an Indian, Mr Rajeshwar Dayal. Other nations concerned in the operation are more frankly in favour of Mr Lumumba, whose return to power would, they feel, better serve their interests. Of this group Ghana, Guinea, Morocco, and the United Arab Republic are particularly influential because of the understanding that African States

should carry the principal responsibility of the United Nations operation. Even if Colonel Mobutu were a wiser and more experienced man he would find the forces' against him difficult to overcome. In fact, like Congolese generally he has found himself thrust into a position of political consequence long before he was ready for it. His power is rapidly declining. While the United Nations protects Mr Lumumba and the members of the legislature loyal to Mr Lumumba, other members have been arrested. Colonel Mobutu's troops, though no less disciplined, probably, than some of the other bands of soldiers roaming the territory, are to be disarmed. Air traffic that might help him is banned. The most remarkable aspect of the whole affair is that the Congo has not fallen into complete chaos. However, living conditions and health standards must have fallen appallingly. It is difficult to see how the eclipse of Colonel Mobutu and the return of Mr Lumumba will improve matters. While Mr Lumumba comes increasingly under the influence of the Communists who are happy to give hifti the advisory services he needs, the Katanga province will probably make a final break. If the results are no worse, the Congo will be able to count itself fortunate. A civil war is at least a possibility, with incalculable consequences to the Congo—and to the United Nations.