Congo Masquerade: The Political Culture of Aid Inefficiency and Reform Failure

by Theodore Trefon

Congo Masquerade is about mismanagement, hypocrisy and powerlessness in what has proved to be one of Africa's most troublesome and volatile states. In this scathing study of catastrophic aid inefficiency, Trefon argues that whilst others have examined war and plunder in the Great Lakes region, none have yet evaluated the imported 'template format' reform package pieced together to introduce democracy and improve the well-being of ordinary Congolese. It has, the book demonstrates, been for years an almost unmitigated failure due to the ingrained political culture of corruption amongst the Congolese elite, abetted by the complicity and incompetence of international partners.

Startling and provocative, Congo Masquerade offers a critical examination of why aid is not helping the Congo.

Genres: Africa

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2011

Reviews

[Banu Altunbas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the book covers the recent political events until 2011 elections, the conclusions, analysis and observations covered in this book are still valid in today's conjecture of DRC. I was a bit upset that I haven't read this book any earlier, as many of the analysis of the author correspond to mine. In any case, it's not a long book and it's insightful, would be recommended.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could say I enjoyed this book. It is very well researched and comprehensive in unpacking the reasons for the DRC's woes but thoroughly depressing in the conclusions it reaches. Crucially is focusses on the resilience of the state in the DRC - and in so doing reminds us that failed states are not necessarily collapsed or disintegrated state machineries. The DRC state has thrived on a toxic blend of various elements carefully documented by the author. The analysis of the failed attempts by donor countries to engineer reform in the timber industry in very insightful and a must read for anyone working with natural resource management in Africa. What is also chilling is the reminder that many ordinary people in the DRC seem to value the current state of affairs. It has a superficial overview of the current political map in the country but in fairness this is not its central objective. Recommended read but mix it with some light relief - it is not good news for Africa-optimists like me......

[Maomao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat pessimistic, but also quite insightful.