Dr. Congo: Stephen R. Weissman links US to murder of Lumumba

Weissman believes that now that the truth is out, it is now up to the U.S. governement to fully acknowlegde its responsibility in the 41-year old Congolese debacle and consider the kinds of amends that would be necessary if true reparations for the misdeeds of the past are to be offered. For only then will the healing process truly begin in a Congo still faced with multifarous and intricate ills. "These facts are four decades old, but are worth unearthing for two reasons. First, Congo (known for years as Zaire) is still struggling to establish democracy and stability. By facing up to its past role in undermining Congo's fledgling democracy, the United States might yet contribute to Congo's future", Weissman writes.

The U.S. is indeed the only remaining country in the world with the kind of financial and political influence that could help countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo redress themselves. A true commitment to peace and development in the Congo of Kabila could thus bring new hopes and suggest new directions for the failed partnership between Africa and the U.S.

With the bulk of Africa's human and material resources remaining largely untapped, now would be the time for a new deal, one that would be profitable to all without exception. Without a true U.S. commitment to democratic values abroad, Weissman concludes, there is risk of compromising those most fondamental principles that the U.S. so justly defends both at home and abroad.

Source: Washington Post. To view Weissman's full article, click here.