Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XVII, Part 2, Sub-Saharan Africa

89. Memorandum From Secretary of State Vance to President Carter¹

Washington, July 28, 1977

[Omitted here are items unrelated to Central Africa.]

3. Zaire’s Foreign Minister: In my meeting last night, Zairian Foreign Affairs Commissioner Nguza described President Mobutu’s proposed political, economic and military reforms. They are clearly designed, as Nguza frankly stated, to meet external criticism of Mobutu’s government, particularly with respect to lack of democratic practice and human rights abuses. If implemented, the reforms could go a long way to meet the criticisms. On the economic side, Nguza acknowledged Zaire’s past mistakes and corruption and reiterated several times that the reforms are intended to obtain donor confidence and therefore greater external economic assistance.²

Nguza described the internal Angolan situation as “very bad.” He said Neto’s relations with the Soviets and the Cubans have become strained; Neto’s party is split on racial and political grounds; the former guerrillas are pitted against the ideologues; and Neto’s opponents within the ruling MPLA were disposed to compromise with Savimbi.

I asked Nguza for his views on the situation in Chad. Nguza called Mobutu this morning and at lunch today told Dick Moose that Mobutu opposes the Libyan activity in Chad which he considers to be a violation of Organization of African Unity principles. Zaire will strongly support publicly and diplomatically actions to assist Chad but would prefer not to provide direct assistance.

[Omitted here are items unrelated to Central Africa.]

1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Subject File, Box 18, Evening Reports (State) 7/77. Secret. Carter wrote “Cy, J” in the upper right corner.
2. Carter wrote “He may be biased in views” in the left margin.