So this is a question that's been rattling around in my head for a while now. What exactly caused the Congo to become even more impoverished? It is very rich in natural resources, with a large-enough population, so what was stopping a government from forming that would utilize its resources wisely and enrich the country? Personally, with my (very) limited knowledge, I'm guessing that the rushed independence of the Congo was a factor, maybe the Belgians delay independence and better prepare for independence? Again, I have little to no knowledge of this, so I'm hoping that there's a few experts here on the Congo.