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République du Congo (Brazzaville)Independence 15 August 1960
History This Central African country, partially covered by equatorial forest, has probably long been populated, particularly by the people called 'Pygmies'. After the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century, Atlantic coast kingdoms form a platform for the slave trade to the Americas. French penetration begins in 1875 with Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza. In 1880, he acquires the region in the name of France by signing cession treaties, particularly with King Makoko of the Mbe Kingdom. Then the region is colonized. In the late 19th century, concessionary companies mobilize forced labour for the rubber and palm oil trade. In 1910, Congo is one of the four territories that comprise the federation of French Equatorial Africa (AEF). It becomes an overseas territory (1946), then a republic (1958) within the French Community. Bloody confrontations take place in the legislative election year of 1959. The Union démocratique de la défense des intérêts africains (UDDIA), led by Abbot Fulbert Youlou, who supports cooperation with the French, wins the elections. The transfer of power takes place peacefully and independence is declared on 15 August 1960. The new country chooses as its capital Brazzaville, the former AEF capital. In August 1963, Alphonse Massemba-Débat overthrows Youlou and leads the country in a socialist direction. Major Marien Ngouabi overthrows him on 1 January 1969. A cooperation and friendship treaty is signed with the USSR. The country is named the People's Republic of Congo until 1992, when the first democratic elections are won by Pascal Lissouba (who is overthrown following a civil war, in 1997). Previous rulers were General Yhombi Opango (1977-1979) and Colonel (today General) Denis Sassou Nguesso (1979-1992 and 1997 to the present). After 50 years of independence, the Republic of Congo – which possesses abundant oil reserves exploited since 1949 by the French company TotalFinaElf – is often cited as among those former colonies that France maintains in a political and economic stranglehold. J. Maniacky (RMCA) |
