The Congolese »Crab Basket«: A Matter of What Interests?

Abstract

This paper draws on the question of the actors' interests during the last phase of the Congolese transition. Theses interests should not be solely understood through the lens of the pursuit of power and control of moribund Congolese state. Instead, their diversity can be traced at all levels of the society, among all kinds of actors and also in the regional and international orders. One of the main issues of Congo's »pacifi cation« lies in the fact that these interests have mainly been addressed with little consideration for the idea of common good. Finding a solid ground where competing interests could express themselves in a »sub-optimal« manner is the challenge Congo and its partners are now facing.