Congo’s 60th Anniversary of Independence, a Time of Reckoning?
Congo marks its 60th anniversary of independence on Tuesday at a time of global reckoning as countries are being forced...
Obstacles to Progress
The list of obstacles to progress in Congo is long and complex: corruption, political instability, rebels, armed conflict and violence, illegal trafficking, and poor infrastructure. Roads are in a terrible state, and phones, Internet connectivity and electrical supply are unreliable. Government structures can kill initiatives with endless taxes, unclear procedures and harassment. Dealing with government officials who demand bribes, getting bureaucratic land concessions and licenses, working with everyone from local chiefs and villagers to investors and donors, all mean that Congo is not an enabling environment. While the overall message of Congo In Conversation is intended to be optimistic, there is no denying the potential pitfalls and setbacks that must be confronted as Congo struggles to move forward.
