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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:External Collusion with Kleptocracy: Can Zaïre Recapture its Stolen Wealth?
Authors:Askin, Steve
Collins, CaroleISNI
Year:1993
Periodical:Review of African Political Economy
Volume:20
Issue:57
Period:July
Pages:72-85
Language:English
Geographic term:Congo (Democratic Republic of)
Subjects:corruption
finance
fraud
Politics and Government
Economics and Trade
international relations
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03056249308704005
Abstract:For 28 years, Mobutu Sese Seko has carefully and thoughtfully refined his system for transforming the public resources of Zaire into private wealth, while using bribery, coercion, and violence to thwart all movements for change. The consequences of his system, commonly known as 'kleptocracy' or government by theft, are well known. This paper does not focus on these consequences, but examines questions of causation and culpability. It identifies some of the architects, beneficiaries and allies of kleptocracy, analyses the methods used for misdirecting Zaire's wealth, and catalogues the benefits Mobutu, his domestic associates and his external sponsors drew from this system. Mobutu's self-enrichment system rests on five pillars: direct bribes from foreign governments and security agencies; payments and takings from foreign investors; diversions from the Zairean government budget; embezzlement of export earnings; and diversions of foreign aid and foreign loans. Finally, the paper discusses the sanctions discussions that are presently taking place between the new US administration and its French and Belgian counterparts, and examines the legal mechanisms a post-Mobutu government might use to recapture stolen assets or set aside debts arising from loans whose proceeds were stolen. Bibliogr., sum.
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