REFORM, CONFLICT, AND SECURITY IN ZAIRE

During the Cold War, the U.S. Army developed a deep
institutional understanding of the politics, economics, security
concerns, and cultures of the areas where it was heavily engaged,
particularly Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and Latin America.
But as the global security environment changes, the Army is
increasingly involved in regions where it has less experience.
Sub-Saharan Africa is a classic example. The Army is likely to
play an important role there in the coming years, whether through
humanitarian relief and peace operations or military-to-military
contacts in Africa's new democracies. To prepare for this, the
Army must augment its understanding of the African security
environment.
U.S. foreign policy in Sub-Saharan Africa seeks stability,
democracy, and economic development. Despite recent positive
trends, it is clear that not all African countries will move in
this direction; some will sink into greater violence and misery.
In the central part of the continent, Zaire is the linchpin.
Because of its great size and natural wealth, Zaire has the
ability to serve as either the locomotive of development or an
agent of destabilization.
If Zaire collapses, the U.S. Army may become involved in a
major humanitarian relief operation. On the other hand, if Zaire
succeeds at political reform and democratization, the Army may be
tasked to reinvigorate military-to-military contacts. This study
is designed to offer Army planners and leaders an understanding
of the current crisis in Zaire and provide recommendations on
future U.S. policy and Army activities.