The transformation process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the most crucial political changes during the last few years. Creatin a stabile and strong democratic system within the biggest African countries could bring light an development in the former "heart of darknes" which could also be extendet to other african states. the following paper tries to describe the sad story of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, concentrating on the Mobutu dictatureship and the transition and state building process afterwards. furthermore is is about the EUFOR RD Congo military mission that should support the transformation process, protecting the presidential elections in 2006. What about the leading nation Germany? Was it difficult to legislate the mission, for a state with such a heavy historical burden? what about meanings and opinions in German parlament, the federal army and of course the German people?
After the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the text is focussed on the elections in 2006, the EU mission and the debat in Germany concerning military aid for this big african country. in the end the paper shows details and developments of EUFOR RD Congo mission, whereby it also tries to analyze whether the mission was a success or failure. The conclusion tries to answer the succces or failure thesisas well as it oughts to offer an immagine of the transformation process in the democratic Republic of the Congo in the future.
This seminar paper is very interesting for students of political science, history and of cours for everyone who likes to get to know more background about this actual and highly discussed mission.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION: “AFRICA IS BURNING!”.
- HISTORY AND THE RECENT CONFLICT IN THE DRC
- HISTORICAL OVERVIEW FROM INDEPENDENCE TO THE FALL OF MOBUTU
- THE TRANSITION PROCESS 1997-2006.
- ABOUT CONSTITUTIONS AND ELECTIONS 2006..
- THE DISCUSSION IN GERMANY.
- OPINIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
- PROS AND CONS IN THE GERMAN PARLIAMENT.
- The Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU).
- The Social Democratic Party (SPD).
- The Liberal Democratic Party (FDP).
- The Green Party (Buendnis 90/ Die GRUENEN).
- The Socialists (Linkspartei/PDS).
- THE EUFOR-RD CONGO MISSION LEAD BY GERMANY.
- PLANNING AND DESCRIPTIONS.
- MISSIONS DEVELOPMENT (2006).
- THE EUFOR-RD CONGO MISSION: SUCCESS OR FAILURE?
- CONCLUSION: THE CURRENT SITUATION
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes the political discussion surrounding the EUFOR-RD Congo Mission, focusing on the main political actors in Germany, the German mass media, and the overall impact of the mission. The paper examines the history and recent conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including the transition process and the 2006 elections. It further delves into the German debate on the mission, examining the perspectives of various political parties. Finally, the paper explores the mission's effectiveness and its influence on public opinion in Germany.
- The political discussion surrounding the EUFOR-RD Congo Mission
- The history and recent conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- The perspectives of various German political parties on the EUFOR-RD Congo Mission
- The effectiveness of the EUFOR-RD Congo Mission
- The influence of the EUFOR-RD Congo Mission on public opinion in Germany
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter introduces the paper's focus on the EUFOR-RD Congo Mission and highlights the complex geopolitical context of the mission, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and responsibility in a globalized world. The chapter presents the background of the mission, including the UN's mandate for the EU to oversee the DRC elections. It also mentions the EU's previous involvement in the DRC through the Cotonou Agreement and the role of the MONUC mission. The chapter concludes by outlining the main objectives of the EUFOR-RD Congo Mission: to secure the elections and stabilize the country against potential unrest.
Chapter 2 provides a detailed account of the DRC's history and the recent conflict. It outlines the country's journey from independence to the fall of Mobutu's dictatorship, highlighting key events such as the assassination of Patrice Lumumba and the emergence of a centralized and authoritarian regime. The chapter discusses the challenges faced by the DRC in achieving stability and democracy, including political instability, corruption, and the legacy of colonialism.
Chapter 3 focuses on the German debate surrounding the EUFOR-RD Congo Mission. It analyzes the different perspectives of the German federal government, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU), the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Liberal Democratic Party (FDP), the Green Party, and the Socialists. The chapter examines the arguments for and against the mission, addressing concerns regarding Germany's role in international peacekeeping and the effectiveness of military interventions in conflict zones.
Chapter 4 delves into the EUFOR-RD Congo Mission itself, exploring its planning, deployment, and development. The chapter assesses the mission's success or failure in achieving its objectives and its overall impact on the DRC's political and security landscape. It also examines the challenges faced by the mission, such as the complex nature of the conflict and the logistical difficulties of operating in a vast and geographically challenging country.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary focus of this paper lies on the EUFOR-RD Congo Mission, encompassing the complex international relations surrounding the DRC, the German political debate, and the overall effectiveness of the mission. Key concepts include international peacekeeping, European Security and Defence Policy (EDSP), the transition process in the DRC, the impact of colonialism, democratic elections, and Germany's evolving role in international relations.
- Quote paper
- Stefan Plenk (Author), 2007, The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the debate in Germany concerning EUFOR RD Congo Mission, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/73188
