Regions of Zaire

From Roach Busters

Zaire is divided into 10 regions and 1 indepdendent city (Kinshasa). Because the country has a unitary system, the regions wield very little power and the country is highly centralized, with nearly all power concentrated in the presidency. The national government argues that de-centralization will lead to "regional factionalism, disunity, tribal chaos, and civil war," but critics allege that this is just an excuse the central government uses to maximize its authority. The regions (and their capitals) are listed as follows.

[edit] Regions

• Bandundu (Bandundu)
• Bas-Zaïre (Matadi)
• Équateur (Mbandaka)
• Kasaï-Occidental (Kananga)
• Kasaï-Oriental (Mbuji-Mayi)
• Kinshasa (Kinshasa)
• Haut-Zaïre (Kisangani)
• Maniema (Kindu)
• Nord-Kivu (Goma)
• Shaba (Lubumbashi)
• Sud-Kivu (Bukavu)