Every Day Is Special: June 10 - Reconciliation Day in the Republic of the Congo

June 10 - Reconciliation Day in the Republic of the Congo

Posted on June 10, 2019

If people choose their leaders in an election, in a particular nation - but there is only ONE choice on the ballot, and no write-ins allowed! -

Well, then, the people cannot choose their leaders, can they?

In the People's Republic of the Congo, from 1968 to 1991, there was one-party rule. That party called itself Marxist-Leninist and aligned itself with communist nations like the Soviet Union.

In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed, and many nations that had been annexed by or heavily influenced by the USSR became independent and/or took steps to become more democratic. The People's Republic of the Congo was no exception; a conference was held and, on this date in 1991, the one-party system was finally broken.

Unfortunately, it wasn't long before the former dictator grabbed power back and the nation was plunged into Civil War. Still, having the formally written declaration to be a multi-party state is better than not, and hopefully the people can protest and strike and eventually get rid of the repressive government that current holds power!

It would be great if these kids could have a brighter future:

If the nation ever does become more democratic and stable, tourists might start going there! If you ever visit the Republic of Congo (also called Congo-Brazzaville), you might go to the Nouabale-Ndoki National Park, and you might see loads of amazing wildlife...