After Mobutuism

When the White House press secretary, Mike McCurry, declared last week that "Mobutuism is about to become a creature of history," he signaled the end of a long and unattractive chapter of American policy in Africa. Washington backed Mobutu Sese Seko through most of a 32-year reign in Zaire as he stifled the country's political development and looted its resource-rich economy.

U.S. support reflected Cold War calculations. Marshal Mobutu rose to power by defeating forces loyal to the country's leftist independence leader, Patrice Lumumba. He repeatedly lent Zaire's territory to movements fighting neighboring pro-Soviet regimes. Marshal Mobutu was also a favorite of Western mining companies and their allies in the French and Belgian governments, even though his misrule and corruption drove Zaire's economy to collapse.

Since the end of the Cold War, Washington has been visibly distancing itself from Marshal Mobutu, but not vigorously enough at first to help dislodge him from power and give a chance to the democratic opposition movement that has been led for more than a decade by Etienne Tshisekedi.

Instead, the main threat to Marshal Mobutu has emerged from an opposition army commanded by Laurent Kabila, a surviving Lumumba loyalist who has won new backing from Zaire's eastern neighbors, Rwanda and Uganda. Beginning his operations six months ago near the Rwandan border, Mr. Kabila now controls nearly half of Zaire's territory.

With Marshal Mobutu refusing to surrender and Mr. Tshisekedi still hoping to play a role in any successor regime, the outcome remains uncertain. A military triumph by the Kabila forces alone would be troubling.

Although Mr. Kabila has revived economic activity in areas he controls, he has shown little commitment to political pluralism and his forces have reportedly brutalized helpless refugees. Washington is right to try to broker a cease-fire and a political transition. But its influence is limited at this late point.

The United States has recently begun to develop a constructive post-Cold War approach to Africa. That has allowed it to move out from the shadows of former colonial powers like France and Belgium. Those countries, though now rushing to write off Marshal Mobutu, still view African politics through political loyalties and mining concessions.

In welcome contrast, Washington has recently made clear its preference for civilian-based regimes, exerted useful pressure for multiparty elections and encouraged and supported market- opening reforms. That healthy approach should define America's policy to Zaire's next leaders.

-- The New York Times