Is it any wonder that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is struggling to make democracy work when all it has known is corruption, exploitation and terror? Since its inception as an imperial pawn, the DRC has known only a system whereby ordinary Africans are exploited to line the pockets of rich Westerners. The late nineteenth century witnessed major Western powers vying for territory in the 'Scramble for Africa'. The DRC was one of its victims. Under Leopold II the 'Congo Free State' was exploited for its resources, and its people decimated by disease, fighting and starvation. All in all it was a brutal regime, even by colonial standards, and after nearly a quarter of a century the Belgian government could no longer ignore the despicable nature of Leopold's personal rule and took over its running themselves. The situation improved slightly in the 'Belgian Congo', but it was inevitable that, as with other African nations, independence would be sought and achieved, as it was by the DRC in 1960.

Some may question the relevance of something that happened so long ago. The DRC has had independence since 1960; surely there has been enough time for the political classes to improve the situation in their country? However, we only have to look to Zimbabwe to see how the theme of Africa's past exploitation by imperial powers still resonates with ordinary Africans and that whilst it provides effective rhetoric, it may also be impeding the progress of this vast continent. An imperial past does not completely account for the problems faced by the DRC today, although it does go some way to explaining the lack of a coherent, unified identity. The DRC is riven by a multiplicity of class, gender and ethnic identities which, given the fragile state of the nation, threaten its very existence.

The United Nations attempts to promote good governance; although their work is often undermined by opportunistic, ruthless individuals and businesses whose driving force is profit. Greed and corruption permeate all levels of society; the abundant natural resources which the DRC possesses seeming to be both its saviour and its curse. In theory, the fact that it is rich in cobalt, copper, gold, diamonds and coltan should mean that, if managed effectively, the DRC could make enough profit to vastly improve its infrastructure. However, improbity and fighting over resources prevents this.

If prominent political figures are working merely to line their own pockets, rather than helping

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