Congolese contrasts

Abstract

Based on field research in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (December 2012), the author collects a number of contrasts that characterise one of the richest, and at the same time, poorest countries of the world. The DR Congo has an abundant wealth in natural resources, which both the major powers and the emerging economies aspire for, but bad goverance makes it difficult to utilise its assets to spread ’society-wide repercussions’, and to contribute to a better life for the public at large. Naturally, the political heritage is a great challenge to overcome for any new leader, and on a daily basis ’real governance’ can make things work anyhow, but who and how will make a real change for the long run? While looking at Congolese contrasts more closely, we can get more puzzled about the future...Cannot we?