Sky blue field divided diagonally from the lower hoist corner to upper fly corner by a red stripe bordered by two narrow yellow stripes. A yellow, five-pointed star appears in the upper hoist corner. Blue represents peace and hope, red the blood of the country’s martyrs, and yellow the country’s wealth and prosperity. The star symbolizes unity and the brilliant future for the country.

Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Google Earth

Mount Mangengenge is located southeast of Kinshasa and overlooks the capital city; it is part of the Crystal Mountains range. Mount Mangengenge is a pilgrimage site for many Congolese. The path of ascent is punctuated with crucifix sculptures and it has a large cross at the summit.

Photo courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Government

According to Britannica, Congo’s civil war (1998–2003) was essentially ended by a power-sharing agreement that created the transitional constitution of 2003, which provided for a transitional government that consisted of representatives from various rebel groups, the previous government, the political opposition, and civil organizations. A new, formal constitution, approved by referendum in 2005 and promulgated in 2006, significantly devolved power to provincial administrations. Under it, the president is to be elected to no more than two five-year terms and must share power with the prime minister, who is to be named from the legislature’s largest party. The legislature is bicameral, consisting of the National Assembly and the Senate.

For administrative purposes, the country has long been divided into a varying number of regions or provinces. After the overthrow of Mobutu’s regime in 1997, the country was organized into 10 provinces and the ville (city) of Kinshasa, the latter being the equivalent of a federal district. The 2006 constitution provided for an increase in the number of provinces from 10 to 26 (including Kinshasa), though the new provincial structure was not implemented until 2015. The provinces are presided over by governors.

For many years, the Supreme Court (located in Kinshasa) and the Courts of Appeal stood at the centre of Congo’s judicial system, but, after the promulgation of the 2006 constitution, they were slated to be superseded by the new judicial structure. The 2006 constitution provides for an independent judiciary consisting of the Constitutional Court, the Court of Cassation, the Council of State (a federal administrative court), the Military High Court, and lower courts and tribunals throughout the country.

Civil / National Aviation Authority (CAA/NAA)

none found

Airspace

SkyVector – Google Maps – ADS-B Exchange

ICAO countries publish an Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). This document is divided into three parts: General (GEN), En Route (ENR) and Aerodromes (AD). ENR 1.4 details the types of airspace classes they chose to adopt from classes A through G.

Drone Regulations

Aviation Law

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

Short Essay Questions