African Food and Art

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All About The Democratic Republic of Congo

All About The Democratic Republic of Congo
Africa DRC History.

The Democratic Republic of Congo a brief history; it is estimated that half of the native Congolese population died in the period 1885-1908 because of Leopold's administration’s brutal systems. This period in The Democratic Republic of Congo history is known as the African Holocaust. Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu Wa Za Banga was the dictator 2nd President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1965 to 1997.

Kisingani, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

All About The Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC


Explore and Understand Africa Through Her Food and Culture


The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), previously named Zaire was the personal property of brutal Belgian King Leopold II in the late 19th century, who exploited its people ruthlessly to extract its great mineral resources and to grow and export rubber for the growing international automobile market. Leopold's army, the Force Publique, adopted a terrifying brutal policy towards the black African Congolese people to ensure their free labor.

It is estimated that half of the native Congolese population died in the period 1885-1908 because of Leopold's administration’s brutal systematic reign of terror. This period in DCR history is known as the African Holocaust. After independence, the Force Publique was renamed the Congolese National Army or ANC.

DRC acquired independence in 1960 after 52 years under Belgian state rule but quickly descended into political turmoil. One hundred thousand white Europeans left the country soon after independence. The first President of the The Democratic Republic of Congo Joseph Kasavubu and Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba quickly had major conflicts.

Patrice Lumumba was the first Prime Minister of the independent Democratic Republic of the Congo from June until September 1960. He played a significant role in the transformation of the Congo from a colony of Belgium into an independent republic. Ideologically an African nationalist and Pan-Africanist, he led the Mouvement National Congolais (MNC) party from 1958 until he was kidnapped and killed by militants from the mineral rich Katanga Province.

In 1965, the Congolese Army's Chief of Staff, Joseph Mobutu, took power in a coup, Mobutu, then called Joseph Mobutu Mobutu quickly set about nationalizing foreign owned companies and renamed the country, The Republic of Zaire in 1971. Corruption reigned supreme and the DRC economy nosedived when Mobutu focused his attention on increasing his own personal wealth estimated to be worth 5 billion US dollars by 1984.

Mobutu gave free reign to his cabinet, leaving them to accumulate personal fortunes. Whenever any individual became too rich or powerful Mobutu imprisoned, tortured, and then reinstated them to both retain their loyalty and keep them in their place. Infrastructure crumbled and all but his Special Presidential Division could guarantee a regular wage.

For a brief period in 1975, the media was forbidden from mentioning any name but Mobutu's. US President Reagan hosted Mobutu at the White House on three separate occasions, and when Katangan rebels invaded from Angola in 1977, French and Belgian troops came to his aid, with logistical support from the US.

DRC military justice officer

Mobutu was eventually overthrown in 1997 by long-time rebel Laurent-Désiré Kabila, who commanded an invading army, supported by the Rwandan and Ugandan governments. Relations between Rwanda and Mobutu had been strained since 1994 when Mobutu appeared sympathetic towards the radical Hutus who had initiated the genocide of Tutsis - many of whom had fled into Eastern Zaire. Mobutu retained his position for 32 years through several sham elections, as well as through brutal force.

Kabila exiled Mobutu and renamed Zaire the Democratic Republic of Congo. In August 1998, Kabila regime was itself challenged by a second insurrection again backed by Rwanda and Uganda. Troops from Angola, Chad, Namibia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe intervened to support Kabila's regime. In January 2001, Kabila was assassinated by his bodyguards and his son, Joseph Kabila, was named head of state. An estimated five million people died in the ensuing civil war. His son Joseph Kabila is the current president and in 2002 successfully negotiated the withdrawal of the last Rwandan troops from the East of the country.

In 2009, following a resurgence of conflict in the eastern DRC, the government signed a peace agreement with the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP), a primarily Tutsi rebel group. The DRC continues to experience violence committed by other armed groups including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, the Allied Democratic Forces, and assorted Mai Mai militias. The DRC Constitution bars President Joseph Kabila from running for a third term; on November 6, 2017, The Democratic Republic of Congo announced that the much-delayed elections to replace President Joseph Kabila would take place in December 2018.

Kasai region of The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)



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Week’s Best African Culture Posts

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

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How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
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African Spirit Tree Test

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Africa boasts a remarkable array of unique trees, each showcasing distinct qualities that set it apart, much like the diverse personalities of people. The majestic Baobab, with its thick trunk and expansive canopy, symbolizes wisdom and resilience, while the vibrant Protea embodies courage and boldness with its striking flowers. Which tree do you resonate with? Are you as wise as the ancient Baobab or as daring as the brilliant Protea? Discover your true spirit by taking this engaging quiz designed to match you with an African tree that reflects your personality. Each tree symbolizes unique characteristics and qualities, so dive in to explore the connection between your spirit and these magnificent natural wonders. Get ready for a fun journey of self-discovery. Question 1: How Do You Handle Challenges? A.  You stand firm and face them head-on, using your wisdom. B.  You quietly help others and offer comfort. C.  You adapt quickly and find creative solutions. D.  You ...
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Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

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Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
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Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

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Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
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