Research Article: Unrest and Assassination in Congo-Kinshasa

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Congo-Kinshasa, is the third largest country in Africa. Its immense mineral wealth and plentiful natural resources have made it the prize of kings and dictators. President Laurent Kabila, who came to power in a coup, was assassinated in January 2001. His son succeeded him while the Congolese people and the world waited to see if Joseph Kabila would follow in his father's footsteps or forge a new future for a ravaged country.

• Laurent Kabila's death prompted the sudden ascension of his 29-year-old son Joseph into leadership, making the younger Kabila one of the youngest leaders of a nation.
• With at least three separate rebel groups and six neighboring countries fighting in the current conflict, in Congo, the war has been called the African World War. Joseph Kabila's handling of the situation could shift the balance in the region towards peace.
• The younger Kabila must contend with a restive public, intrusive foreign interests, and international scrutiny as he solidifies his authority and takes control of the country.

Laurent Kabila, the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DROC), was assassinated on January 16, 2001. The assassination took place in Kabila's office in Kinshasa, Congo's capital. The assassin was a trusted bodyguard, Rashidi Kasereka, a man Kabila had himself recruited in the early days of his bid for power. Kasereka approached Kabila in his office, where the president was conferring with an adviser, and gestured to him, indicating...
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