Yves Mafongo Makanda Boeken

The Congo Basin, anchored by the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been a focal point of geopolitical interests and conflicts since the Western powers' conquest of Africa. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 marked a pivotal moment in establishing the international status of the region, leading to ongoing foreign exploitation through multinational capitalism and imperialism. The area's rich resources, including water and forests, present both opportunities for development and potential for conflict, highlighting its complex role in international relations.

The book explores the regional integration process within SADC, highlighting the ongoing debates regarding the economic convergence needed for a successful monetary union. Despite progress since the establishment of various milestones, significant challenges persist, including unmet deadlines for the Free Trade Area and other initiatives. The analysis reveals a lack of empirical evidence supporting the notion of a fully functioning Free Trade Area among SADC countries, alongside a troubling increase in GDP per capita inequality, complicating efforts to achieve regional economic targets.

Il bacino del Congo, fulcro di interessi globali, ha visto conflitti tra potenze fin dalla conquista dell'Africa. La Conferenza di Berlino (1884-1885) ha sancito il suo status internazionale, dando il via a un regime di sfruttamento che persiste oggi, con risorse naturali che generano sia conflitti che opportunità di sviluppo.