by
CHANDLER T.

NATIONAL FLAG OF CONGO

LOCATION:

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CONGO

The European Nation that colonized Congo was Belgium. Belgium treated the people poorly by forcing people day and night to make rubber in the forests and they have no time to listen to the gospel.

The colonization hurt the people by using them as slaves, their houses were only half built single rooms and the streets were not as clean.

The year Congo got its independence was in 1960. In 1959, riots broke out. Reports say that 49 Congolese had been killed and 101 were injured. Belgium wanted to get out of Congo quickly so it was announced in 1959 that a five year plan would lead to independence. However, Belgium decided that a five year plan was not going to work.  They wanted the British to get out of there more quickly so, in a meeting in 1960 they agreed to hold elections in May and declared independence on June, 30, 1960.

After gaining independence Congo suffered from problems. There were less than thirty Africans with an education, there were no officers, and then a lot a jobs didn’t exist. By today’s standards there are still problems, like Ninja rebels battling the government forces.  Fortunately in May 2003 the government and ninja rebels signed to end hostilities. The political situation is improving. However, the country continues to have unpredictable violence. Also traveling on roads there is not safe.

If the country hadn’t been colonized, first, the streets might’ve been cleaner. Second, the houses could’ve been better. Finally the Africans living at the time probably would’ve been living a happier life.

Works Cited

Flag and map courtesy of Microsoft Clipart Gallery.

Durost Fish, Bruce and Becky. Exploration of Africa: Congo.

Cyber School bus. www.cyberschoolbus.org

Info Please. www.infoplease.com