Fashoda on the Congo

Could the French have intervened in Zaire in 1997 to prevent Mobutu's overthrow?


Technically, yes. Well-trained troops are ready in Libreville to secure the most important parts of Zaïre.

Politically, no.

-No political or economical interest whatsoever with keeping Mobutu in power.

- No French residents to protect, excepting in Kinshasa, but you can ferry them quite easily from Brazzaville.

-After the Rwandan fiasco, much better to let Mobutu fall and avoid any accusations from Kagamé or the Anglo-Saxons.
 
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