NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SURVEY 60A; ZAIRE; MILITARY GEOGRAPHY

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• Collection: NIS
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Thf8 chapter um prcpared for the NIS by the
Defew Zateftence Agency. Research um sub-
stantially completed by January 1973.
Ail
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coNrENTS
This Generil Survey supersedes the one d4ted Sep-
tember 1970, copies of whic.h should be destroyed.
A. Location and description 1
1. Topography I
Overview of landforms, vegeta' Non, drainage,
pattern find physical characteristics of settle-
ments, and network.
2. Climate 4
Summary of climatic elements.�locational and
seasonal variations, temperi.ture, relative hu-
midity, precipitation, cloudiness, and winds.
B. Military geographic regi%;rs 7
Effect of terrain on operatfins by cunventional
gxound forces, airmobile I qirborne fcrces, am-
phibious forces, and irregular fo for the fol-
lowing regions:
t. Central Forested Plains 7
2. Northern "Ilavanna Plains 7
CONMEN
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piwe
page
3. Southern Savanna Plai
8
E. Approaches
12
t Eastern Highlands
9
Data on lengths and leg&[ status of Wd bound-
5. Westeru Highlands
9
arfes and on offshore terTitorial w
C, Strategic areas
10
1. Land
12
Significance. population. PrImary activities, na-
tionally signiftmt industries, important military
Conditions for movement in the bwder xxAm
and descripdons of terrain, roads, railwads,
installations, key airfields, and petroleum storaige
offroad dispersal, and emu-country movement
in the best land approaches.
for the Wowing areas:
1. Bas-Zake
10
2. Sea
12
2. Shaba
Jo
Conditions for amphibious approach t th
coast and data on those amphibious landing
D. Internal routes
12
amas that provide the best access to the stm-
DescrfP140n of terrain, mad and milmad char-
tegic are".
acteristics, and conditions for offroad dispersal
3. Air
15
aid crow-country movement along routes to an d
Approach routes to Zaire and weather and
between strategic areas.
critical terrain conditions en route.
FICURES
Page
Page
Fig. I Military geographic regions and ter-
Fig. 9 Open-pit copper mine (photo)
5
rain ("WO
2
Fig. 10 Climatic elements (chart)
6
Fig. 2 Broadleaf evergreen forest (photo)
3
Fig. 11 Strategic areas, internal routes, and
Fig. 3 Dense igle undergrowth (photo)
3
approaches (map)
Fig. 4 Typical tall-grass savanna during
Fig. 12 Bas-Zaire strategl.c area (map)
12
rainy season (photo)
4
Fig. 13 Shaba strategic area (nwp)
12
Fig. 5 Brush forest (photo)
4
Fig. 1 .4 lntirnal Youtes (table)
13
Fig. 6 Typical hills in west (photo)
4
Fig. 15 Boundaries (table)
Fig. 16 Land approaches (table)
15
16
Fig. 7 Snow-capped mountains (photo)
4
Fig. 17 Terrain and transportatior
Fig. 8 Kinshasa (photo)
5
("IaP) follows
j.7
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Military Gveograpl
A. Location and description (U/OU)
The Republic (;f ktire is located oil the Ftlitator and
extends vast-west aci )ss about two-third% of central
Africa. sharing borden vith nine other countries. The
nunerai-rich Shaba Region in tit(- sontheast is adjacent
to the important copivr-producing areas in Zambia.
I'll(- eountr%, comprising 905,M) square miles, is
AX)Ilt tilt ,iZ(l of the United States vast of tit(
Mississippi Rivvr maxinmin distances art- abotit 1,2M
miles' east-west and north-sotith. I ll(- po)ptilation,
23,918,M) (jannary 1973 estimate). is about tit(. saint.
as that of N,( York State.
1. Topography
'I'll( tt consists mainly of high plains between
I JXX) and 3,CXX) fivt above sea It-vel Fignres I and 17)
bordered by belt of ragged hills ill tit(. wvSt. The
central part, the Congo River Basin. Is characterized
b% flat plains 1,(XX) to 1,5(X) feet above sea level and
dense broadleaf evergreen forest (Figure 2) containng
immerous species of Liege and small trees )nd thick
Secondary growth (if btishes, Saplings. vines, and
hvi platill: (Figure 3). In tilt- western lower
Congo River area, it narrow flat coastal plain ra ng::Ig
from wa level to about 150 feet is covered b\ (1v se
broad!vaf evergreen forest (or by marshes and sWallips.
Elsewhere, the plains in the north and South art
predornina tit I y rolling or dissected, Jopes are from 2%
to 10ri. and interstreani art-its IM to 500 feet abow
the adjoinivg strearns. Locally there ary termite
tII0IIIIds 10 to 20 feet high awl 5 to 10 feet wide. Part
of the northern an(] unicli of tit( southern 1) lains ary
covered by savanna, which consists of dense grass
`igure 4) -1 to 15 feet high and scattered clunips of
trves and shrnbs-, dense broadleaf evergreen forest is
extensive in tit(- aort' plains lit the southeast, thcre
art open to dense st nds of dveiduous tall briish
(Figtire 5), shrubs, avd interspersed grassy areas
Widespread marsh of dense papyrus. reeds, and
floating grass, oectirs along the lower Ulhangi river,
Ustances are in staoite infles tin1m, iiawical miles are
slic,cifically stated.
along most of the Congo River betwevii linmbit in(]
tit(- cimfluence with tit(- K%%a river. ;lit(] along Some
lakes and Streams in tilt- sontheast.
Numerous streams over 5W feet wide and 3,5 to
more than 6 fect deep %%ind across lbe plains lit(] in
mail\ plao overflow their low. gently sloping earth
ling art
hanks and inundate extensive low -as and
SWallip', (Itiring high water (gvnerafly September
through M-evinber north of the Eltjtjatto; aad March to
inid-jnne and mid-September through January sonth
of tit(- E(piator). 'I'll(- Cougo ffiver, whose watershed
(111COmpassit-s nearly till of (lie conntry. is mostly 2 to 8
miles wide and Illore than 6 feet deep: in places dtiring
high water, it is nearl\ TX) feet deep. Sonth of
Kisatigani. where the Congo River is ktiown as the
Lualaba, it is nearl\ I mile wide in plaves. Other large
rivers ineltide tit(- Ubangi, Kwa, Kasai, and IA)nlaltii.
which are I JXX) feet to miles widh- in man% places III
the rolling or dissected plains, tit(- upper vatirsses of
some stnains are incisvo between high, steep. rock
banks.
lit most places. tilt plains ha\v coarse- and fine-
grained soils 20 feet or inore thick, ho\%ever, in many
part of the south, hard laterite and rocks are near the
stirfave. 'I'll( grotind is firin ewept afte- heavy raills for
periods of gunerall\ less than I day about 4 to 8 tillies
per month from vark October through April South of
about 4 and varly April throngh 0(:t,.)I)( north of
2 lit the inarshes ;lit(] swanips of the central plains
Mid along the coast, the ground is al\\ miry.
Ilills and rugged mountains are along lit(- eastern
periphery of the emAntry, in(] low, rolling hills are in
tit( west. I it tit(- vast. the hills have Sharp crests. which
are .3,M) to 50X) feet above sea level and 1,M) to
20X) feet above the adjoining valley floors; in western
Zaire, hill sunitnits are rounded (Figure 6) and range
front about 7M to 2,0(X) foet above the adjacent
Stream valleys and plains. Thiotighoot the hills, slopes
are commonly Mi to Wil, althongh along Some
streams titer( are short escarpments that have slopes ill
excess of IMI,' III the eastern mountains. summits are
jagged and risv 5,(XX) '.o 10,000 feet above sea level
and more than 2,(XX) feet above valley floors. A small
area of snow-covered peaks is more than 16,M) feet
I
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flat plains CEN'tRAL AFRICAN REPtIBLIC
Rolling or 0 to 100 feet SUDAN
dissected Plains 100 to 500 feet sit e
011 SAV
i Hill 500 to 1000 feet PIAINS
Mountains Over 2000 feet
.4
J(4
Differences in elevation bet*een toos and V.
;Aoms 0 ad topogrsph4c teatuies 4A
t
Dense forest 80 A,
J Swamp
1050 Spot hei :n feet ITGANDA
Military Geogaphic Re boundary
-.J
101
Statute
0 100 200 300mile
I I I
0 loO 200 300 Kilometers ".4
07 KIGALI
A N
WANIM,
CONGO
(13RAZZAVILLE) *BUJ BURA
U EASI HURI NDI
BRAZZAVILLE I
0.31NDA
ba
k_Kigcirhp
SOUT"M
t r5 TAkANIA
Konang
A 0
SAVANNA Ankorc
4150
1 3363
376P.
/Av
NX RuAwa
LUANDA PLAI
ANGOLA ZAMBIA
(PORT.)
Kolwaz
mb
V111
ZAMBIA
P RO FILE
WESTERN HIGHLANDS SOUTHERN SAVANNA CENTRAL FORESTED PLAINS EASTERN HIGHLANDS
PLAINS
Meters
Feet 4000
12000- 3300
8000- 2000
4000 1000
A 01 0 B
0 too 200 360 400 1 5) 0 0 600 100 8060 goo i000 1100 1200
Sta*ute miles
Approximate vertical exaggeration 30:1
FIGURE 1. Military geographic regions and terrain (C)
2
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"Vil It cI Fl-,i I ry T ri rii.i ri I t, ra ntv If i )it I
W" to) 60' 'I'llc If( )rt ll-cciit rill it fill cvIII r pit rt, ()I I lit.
%I" t cr 11 11 i $411 if I I( I i I rc I% en d I. I r 1 I)\ (11
)r( iidIc,! I I-% vrirvci I borc i.I"c\%IIvr(" 11 Ic Ili"111,111d,
I rt I I\ i rt d I)\ it I I I I it 1 -\t -I t I or ,(-it H i r( I I rf i of
(It I vw I )rw, I I i I I I I to I I it l I ;I I I s Ili I I I I I I f I I I q
I )it 1111) I ;I old idpitic hrij,h if I if I wri I I; I )I I I I I I I I I( r
1 1 of 'I'll" hill ill the lll\%(-r Zii i rt I rq
lll'ilfll 1)\ I I I( I So -,I I I I r( d .1 -,1 f )i
om I It it I I A rLjf -4 -11 It on �I \I(iO ,trvitm, if! Ilw
I Ild 1114 IIIIIIii 1w, i If- les" 111.1 it :')i A I If'cI ido. Alld
'1114. k miall,, I I t i, i I I I I it I,., I )I r w k iiII( I i
I of I I of I N 1 cl )1 11 Iv I I I( I ri if *I,
oil lim ic.il ijorcs tcncr,oll\ orc spilrw alid cI 111kl
pri iii;i ri I of I it ci I it -N it I d I I j- it I i ro d I I I r.i I
I I I 'ri, lit r I I ii I it t it it r, I of i 1 1 i off
if M I I I rritc( I I If. I fit and rk r\ )I or, I I I I lit
No lift licast mid 'Ilmlt III, pcliltllvl\ .1
f0iid fold l,ii1roml iwh%(,rk. -ind minicroij airlicl(IN
cilic" illid lilf-iti'l hilt, I ni(iffer cciiiiii,
-t1nt,Jtiiiw Impad illid 'III(.- it old
t\%(w-st i)r\ miomir\ triictmt-,. a 1 11 Ill
�likii I I i I I t I I I r r( I I rl I I I r( I i I old i I I I I to I I I I I I I
r I I I I J( I I I ri c k I I I I I I I I I I I e I ii I I 1 .1 of I r, -,t if K I I I
I I I I I Al I Ili Idi 111 I-( )II"t I fict I If 0 1 -1 -1 Ili I( I c( )I wrt 4 c
Fi t I I n N 1. It I I ra I I tt( \1 I 1( -1 1 I t I I I lit I I I I I I I I I I I
a 14 it li 1( if I H I r I I I( I I I I H sotitherii ind
1 1 I if I lit- (-I imit r% -i It oiji, ii\ ur, I if(] ri im!
If :4 11111d at t Iv .111d d.f it! If lit it If I Ii'llulled
r( of i miiw arc i!(,tittd i mili Is I l i ill( l
K( 'I A III I I I 11 i 1 fit; fit- I ri I i I f- 4
I 11 I )I t I; I I i I I I I or, I I I I I I it -1 1 1 q )I If r or( I v\tr,jrtt-d
I( i rri g. I I I rc I I iiiiii ill\ ri(-: I icld'
I 'llal't I )it '111d I 1111.11111 rl tlf Mod I I I I r
E
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FIGURE 2. The dense broadlecif evergreen forest that
blankets most of the central Congo River Rasin con-
tains many kinds of trees 20 to 80 feet high, in one or
more stories; trunk diameters are I to 2 feet (C)
FIGURE 3. Dense jungle undergrowth, such as this near Kiscingani, is rampant along
roads and other types of openings in the dense forests. The undergrowth is a wild
impenetrable tangle of bushes, saplings, vines, palms, and herbaceous plants. (U/OU)

FIGURE 4. Tall-gross savanna, such as shown here dur-
ing the rainy season near Kong& in southwestern Zaire,
consists of dense gross, 4 to 15 feet high, commonly
in tussocks (C)
11iiinba -ilmi the Cmiiiw.
ciil1i%.itvtl terraces are
(III hill lild Illmlillaill sklpc- ill HIC. (%AS1 lii% cr,
A4,)rd fliv primar% niv;iw, ill trawI)i0ation, ilthmigh
1(,%% %%atcr ()Ill% sluillm% drifi craft vai: mt%i
most ri%( 11w ri%ei .rc ,ipplemcnied 1)% a ,parst
iwt%%()rk 4 tracks mid rmid mid riii1roiit1%. rii.ids
iry v;irth. onc to t%% i I Line mid ill condition,
f milro;k&, ory ,ingiv triick. 3'6" izigc. mid ill
fidr cmiditimi. 'I'liere irc iminermis airlield, itli litrd
S I I I Lict d nin%%a%s (w-,( 60M) 1 loiiiz thr largest.
stmtlivtst (4 Kin-Aiiiqi, haN it cmicretc rmi%%;t% o% er
120X) I'vet ill length.
FIGURE 5. Deciduous tall brush, with many grassy
openings, is common in the southeastern part of the
country. The grass between the trees may be burned
annually. (U/OU)
-1
FIGURE 6. The" deeply dissected hills extend north
south ocross the narrow panhancite of western Zaire.
Summits are rounded and in some places are more
than 3,000 feet above sea leyel. (C)
2. Climate
11W Vliindv III Zairr is t-sm-titi.ilk twpicil (-%crpt ill
the va%tcrii inoiintaiw tht- ;immid wirlb-
,tmtli migration 4-1 the interin)pical cmicrvciwv /MW
0CZ! acrt) thu cmnitr\ covwN prmwinwed climitic
d iffi I I( h t, cen regii nN III ;i iiirrii\% zmw alimg
I Fqiiahir I I I c ch inale slif littic ;I ri,it it ill
FIGURE 7. The mountains along the dostern boundaries
of Zaire primarily are 3.teep and many ore rugged,
sharp crested, and snow capped. These, north of Lake
Edward, have local relief of more than 2,000 feet.
Slopes are more than 30%. (U/OU)
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throughout tlie year, whereas north and soittli of t1
zone definite WVt and dry seasons J'igury 10) are
regul I tile length of tiulV tile ICZ is present over
each region
'I'll (I n a r ro eq [fit toria I zone v x pe ri e it ces a
nionotollou and enervating tvpe of weather in all
Months. Tempewtures a nd relative bumiditN are
FIGURE 9. Almost all the copper mines are the open-pit
type, and ore is excavated along benches by power
shovels to depths of 100 to 130 feet (U/OU)
persistently Iligi cloudiness is abundant. a,id rainfa",
although [lot excessi%re. is plentiful. 'ill( greatest
changes in tile weather, it, fact, are tile diurnal
variations. Temperatures uorniallv rise to afternoon
maxilillulls it', the 80's (T.) and lo\ 90's Litt(] decrease
to early morning millinj ill the tipper 60 1 s and low
70's. Tbe only relief front the I,(... is at tile bigher
elevations in tile east, where the daily rriaxiniums and
tuillillituns are 10 to 20 I'ahrenheit de colder and
freezing temperatures occur at the lligilest e
relative 111111lidity varies bct%\evn morning
maximums in the go'
alid afternoon minimums in
the 60's and low �do's; tile hot and humid condition
are most oppressive to bunians. Skies are cloudiest near
dawn and least cloudy near sunset. Showers are
frequent, Mostly during tile afternoon, producing
average monthly amounk mainly between 4 and 9
inches. The most intense fait's are during thun-
derstorms, which nortualIN Occur oil 5 to 10 d
111011 tbl' The heaviest precipitation in tile countr
falls over tile eastern highlands, wbery orographic
rains produce annual totals approaciiing go inclies.
X'isibilitY is good throughout the day except during
morning fogs, %vhich rapidly dissipate after sunrise,
in(] during the brief showers. Strong surface winds
occur only during thunderstorm activity.
The remaining regions north art(] south of ti
equatorial zone experience a similar uniform
5
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FIGURE 8. Kinshasa, the largest. and most important city in Zaire, has many
broad avenues lined with tall buildings constructed of steel and concrete.
Although densely built up, the city has many trees. (U/OU)

0 BOENDE
JFMAMJJA
0
MEAN ANNUAL PRECIPITATION (INCHES)
KANANGA LUBUMUSHI
IIOOT�MM-T7�r-r 1100
BAMBESA
,;ANDAJIKA
10 TT
T
'T
OR
JFMAMJJASON
L1.5 4DAY
MEAN MONTHLY PRECIPITATIOI
BUKAVU
10
JFMAMJJA
LUBUMBASHI
to
5
OL
JFMAMJLASON
0,5 AY
4 (INCHES)
KANANGA
Tfm
IIMAMJJA= I JFMAM;JASCNj
PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY OF SPECIFIED CLOUD COVER AT 0600 (LST)
0 THROUGH 3/10 CLOUD COVER
4/10 THROUGH 7 10 CLOUD .OVER
8/10 THROUGH 10/10 CLOU) COVER
XANANGA*
40.
PERCENTAGE FREQUENCY OF SPECIFIED CLOUD COVER AT 1800 (LST)
GEMENA
100
60
40
20
0
J FMAAkJ JASONDJ
WAM.A
100 7
00
60
AO
20
0
JFMAMJJASONDJ
LUKOLELA
100
so
60 ;5
A0
20
0
JFMAMJJ WJ
JFMAMJJA
MEAN THUNDERSTORM DAYS
LUBUTU
100
80
60
40
20 1 0
IFA %JJASi I
ABSOLUTE
MAXIMUM
MEAN DAILY
MAXIMUM
MEAN DAILY
MINIMUM
ABSOLUTE
MINIMUM
TEMPERATURES
LUSAMP:)
100 T
so
604- lo
AO
20
I I I L
0 Lq
JFMAMJJ
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY AT SPECIFIED HOURS (LST)
MItWABA
100 FP
90 5W
60
40
20
JFMAMJ JASON OJ
6 FIGURE 10. Pracipitation, cloud cover, thunderstorm days, temperatures, and relative humidity (U/OU)
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temperature regime, with seasonal changes averaging
less than 10 degrees even over the sections farthest
from the equator. However, other climatic element
undergo marked seasimal chan '-es. During the w
season, April through October north of the equatorial
zone and November 'through March south of this
zone, mean monthly rainfall ranges mostiv front 5
10 inches and thunderstorms o generaliv on .5 to
15 days per month. Cloudiness in this 'season is
extensive, with frequent overcasts, and visibilit i
generally good except during sho%vers and morning
fogs. Relative humidity, however, is Persistently high
and, with the high temperatures, creates an enervating
condition. DuAng the drN season, December through
February in the north but as long as April through
October in the far south, monthly rainfall norrnallv is
less than 3 inches at most locations. Skies 'are
frequently clear or partly cloudy, visibility is uslialiv
excellent, and winds are light, often calm. Afternoon
relative humidity is lower at this time, especially in the
southern regions, where afternoon humiditie's often
drop below 40%.
B. Military geographic regions (C)
Zaire has five military geographic regions, the
Central Forested Plains, Northern Savanna Plains,
Southern Savanna Plains, Eastern Highlands and
Western Highlands (Figure I The cOmbination of
environmental conditions within each region would
have a relatively uniform effcTt on military oper
but there would be marked differences 'between ti
regions.
I. Central Forested Plains
This region is unsuited for large-scale conventional
ground operations. Cross-country moveme o f
tracked and wheeled vehicles would be precluded by
dense forest and large ratirshy areas, and the numerous
wide and deep rivei:: and periodic flooding would
require extensive river-crossing operations. Movement
on the widely spaced, earth roads and tracks would be
hindered much of the time by washouts, soft surfaces,
and flooding. Numerous fords and ferry crossings are
potential bottlenecks. Offroad dispersal would be
precluJed. Construction of new roads would require
extensive clearing and building many bridges and
culverts with raised approaches. Rocks suitable for
crushing are lacking. In addition, work frequently
wculd be stopped by miry ground, and the rapid
growth of vegetation along the roadways necessitates
periodic cutting of bushes and vines. The dense forest
of large tr,-,s, however, affords excellent concealment
from air and ground observation and soine cover from
flat-trajectory fire. The dissected te!rain in the north
and east provides additional concealment from
grouiA observation cover from flat-trajectory fire.
Construction of bunker-type installations would be.
extremely difficult because of a high wat-r table, and
flat terrain and th ick, unstable soils over 6e bedrock
preclude tunnel-type installations.
Airborne and airmobile operations would also he
difficult. Tht- few sites suitable for parachute drops
and helicopter landinps tire small scattered clearings
and grassy areas in dense forests and marsh. Assault-
type aircraft could land at airfields near Mbandaka,
Kisangani. Libenge, and Port de Kindu. Construction
of additional airfields would necessitate extensive
clearing an(] much grading and filling to provide
adequate drainage and firm foundations. I rocks
suitable for crushing art- lacking.
Conditions are good for irregular forces operations.
Excellent concealment from air observation would be
provided by the dense broadleaf evergreen forests. and
good concealment from ,round observation would be
provided by the (I rise undergrowth along streams.
Movement on fo" is feasible, although along streams
it would be slowed by trees, bushes, and vines and at
tirnes, 1)) miry ground and flooding. Fording is
hazardous because the streams are infested with
crocodiles. Wild berries. fruits, and cultivated crops of
bananas, cassava, rice, and sweet potatoes afford
abundant food supplies a lso, fish tire plentiful in tile
streams. Water is abundant, although the taste and
odor may be objectionable because of the high organic
content and aciditv; near towns and larger villages
streams are sometimes bacterially contaminated.
Shelter and fuel materials are readily avaiiable from
the dense forests. Cultivated clearings are the only sites
suitable for the airdrop of supplies.
2. Northern Savanna Plains
Seasonally, the rolling or dissected surfaces are
suitable tor large-scale conventional ground
operations. Cross-country moven"ient of tracked and
wheeled vehicles would be easy in the interstream
areas, but direction of movement would be restricted
locally by steep streambanks Lind streams too deep to
ford. During April through October, the rainy season,
movement would be hindered frequently for short
periods by miry ground. Much maintenance of the
widely spaced roads would be required to support
sustained military traffic. During the rain- season,
traffic would be indered frequently by mirv' 4round,
washouts, and, in places, by flooding. Many
unbridged streams, ferry crossings, and low-capacit'
Y
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bridges are potential bottlenecks. Offroad dispersal
would be easy in tuost places. New roads could be
constructed in most areas on firtit foundations
alignments arid clearing would be easv, and onh.
moderate amounts of grading would be required.
Blasting, however. would be needed in scattered areas
where laterite an(: har(i to 'Is are n. the surface.
Sand arid gra.v-1 suitable for base and surface coirrsys
and aggregate are available in many %%at(.-rcoUrSes* it
oddition, the laterite arid hard rock are. suitable for
crushing. Most roads would require numerous bridges
arid culverts, and during the rain% season. construction
would often be hampered by mir% ground. Scattered
clumps of trees and narro%v bands of thick vegetation
along streambanks afford conoealment front air
observation, and the dense tall grass provides
concealment from ground observation. Some cover
from flat-trajectory fire would be afforded b%
streambanks arid, in the more dissected parts of the
region in tire cast, by surface irregularities. Tunnel-
type installations having short entries and unsup-
ported spans could be built v!ong scattered stream
valleys in the cast, but the less dissected western parts
of tire region are generaliN, unsuited because of
insufficient slope. Bunker-type installations having
stable walls could be constructed in man% places,
although power equipment would be needed
the laterite is near the surface.
In most places, airborne and airmobile operations
are possible. Numerous sites are suitable for parachute
drops arid landings of helicopters. ASSaUlt-tVpe aircraft
could land at in airfield near Libenge. New airfields
could be constructed in many places with unrestricted
approaches, little clearing, arid small amounts of
grading. but blasting would be required at some sites
where laterite and hard rock are treat the surface.
Irregular forces would encounter some difficulties
within the region. Concealment from air observation
would be limited to scattered clumps of dense trees
and to narrow belts of thick vegetation along strearns,
but good concealment from ground observation would
be afforded by tall grass, especially during the rainy
season, when tire grass is very dense. 'rhere are few
obstructions 'to movement on foot except locally by
streams too deep to ford. Wild berries arid fruit, are
generally scarce, but fish are abundant in most
streams. Limited amounts of corn art(] other cereals,
cassava, peanuts, and bananas would be available in
scattered villages. Water is generally plentiful except
during the dry season, November through March,
when sources are as much as 15 miles apart; bacterial
contamination of water sources is common. Shelter
8
air(] fuel materials are available onl frorn scattered
stands of trees in(] riverine thickets. Suppl-es
could be aiedropped easily in most of the region.
3. Southem Savanna Plains
Conditions for large-scale conveiitional
el
operations are unfavorable in most of the region.
Cross movement would be hindered in inany
places by steepsided valleys, by numerous brcad arid
deep rivers, by scattered stands of dense brush in the
southeast, arid during the rainy seziso;,, November
th70Ugb March, by frequent short periods of mir%
ground und extensive flooding, Onroad movement
woul be feasible on the widely spaced earth roads
during the dry season, but consi maintenance
would be needed for sustained military traffic. During
the rainy season, movement %voidd be halted
frequently by miry surfaces, "'ooding, arid man%
unbridged streams too (feel) to ford. Lo"-capacily.
sing!e-lane bridges along most roads are potential
bottlenecks. Movement would be casy. however, oil a
few, hard-surfaced roads iwar sortie of the larger
towns. Offroad dispersal would be easy except at times
during the rainy season, when the ground is miry. New
roads could b2 constructed with few alignment
problems, easy clearing, arid moderate to small
amounts of grading, although numerous br;dges with
raised approaches would be needed. Concealment
front air observation would be provided by scattered
stands of dense brush in the southeast arid narrow
bands of thick forests along man% streams. Cood
concealment from ground observation would he
provided by tire tall grass. Cover from flat-trajectorN
fire would be afforded by streambanks arid, in places,
by surface irregularities. 'rhere are few sites suitable for
tunnel-type installations because of inadequate
overhead rock cover, low relief, arid unstable and
deeply buried rocks. Bunker-type installations could
be constructed in many places in thick, stable soils,
although excavations would be hindered locally by
laterite and hard rock.
Conditions are favorable in most places for uirborne
and airmobile operations. There are maio. sites
suitable for panachute drops an(] helicopter landings
except in parts of the southeast, where stands of dense
brush, some marshes, arid small hills limit potential
sites. Assault-type aircraft could land at airfields near
Kinshasa, Likasi, Karnina, and Kanariga. Additional
airfields, having unrestricted approaches and runway
orientations and requiring only small amounts of
clearing and grading, could be constructed in most
places on firm foundations. In places, grading would
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i
be difficult and blasting necessary because of laterite
and rock at or near the surface. Sand and gravel
suitable for construction are available in many places,
and 11ard rock suitable for aggregate and laterite
suitable for crushing are available in some areas. rhe
lack or scarcity of water at some sites during the dn-
season, May through Sept,-mber, would hinder
construction.
Irregular forces %vould encounter approximately the
same difficulties iii this region as in ih- Northern
Savanna Plains. In addition, movement on foot could
be hampered by seft ground and flooding, streams
infested with ero'codiles would be hazardous to ford,
and retrieval of air-dropped supplies could be
hindered locally within the region by deep streams
ond densp brush.
4. Eastem Highiands
High hills and rugge6 mountains hamper lar e-
9
scale conventional ground operations in this region.
Cross-country movement of tracked and wheeled
vehicles would be precluded by steep slopes; onroad
movement would be limited to widely spaced earth
roads and tracks, which would deteriorate rapidly
under sustained military traffic, and would he
hindered by steep grades, sharp curves, and occasional
landslides. Ferry crossings and fords are potentiai
bottlenecks. Construction of additional roads would
be difficult becaUSL ,f severely restricted alignments
and the need for nu- sharp curves, steep grades,
and much grading, bridging, and blasting. in
addition, extensive clearing of dense forests in the
central part ot the region and of scattered areas of
brush in the south would be necessary. Coneealm(At
from air observation Would be afforded bv dense
broadleaf evergreen forest, brush, and patches thick
bamboo. Conecalment from ground observation
would be provided in places by tall grass. especially
during the rainy seasons, April through October north
of the Equator and November through Mirch south of
the Equatcr. Cover from flat- -'rajectory Ere would be
afforded in many places by high streambanks and
surface irregularities. In most places, unstable rock
and the need for long adits would limit construction of
tunnel-type installations. Soils are too thin for the
construction of bunker-type installation.
The region is predominantly unsuited for airborne
and airmobile operations. Sites suitable for parachute
drops and helicopter landings are restricted to the
lower grass-covered hill slopes and a small area of
plains ir the south. Assault-type aircraft could land at
a few airfields, but utilization of these fields would be
hampered by restricted approaches. Construction of
additional airfields would be difficult in raost places
because of restricted approaches and runway
orientaiions, the need fz:r extensive grading,
excavating, and filling, extensive clearing of dense
forest in some areas, and poor drainage where surfaces
itre relatively gentle. Sand, gravel. water, and hard
rocks suitable for crushing are generally available
within short distances.
Terrain conditions are predominantly good for
irregular force operations. Good concealment would
be afforded in the central part of the region by dense
forcsts, in the south by szauered stands of bush. and
by small areas of bamboo. Tall grass also would
provide good concealment from ground observation,
especially during the rainy seasons. Extensive areas of
steep slopes provide cover from flat-trajcctory fire.
Movvment on foot would be possible everywbere, but
gencrally would be slow and difficult. Wi!d berries,
tropical fruits, fish, and scattered fields )f grain crops
would be the major source of food supplies; in general,
plentiful supplies of water are available, but most are
bacterially contaminated. Materials for fuel and
shelter are available in the forested areas. Supplies
could be airdropped only at scattered sites in the
valleys.
5. Western Highlands
The low hills and rolling or dissected plains do not
favor large-scale conventional ground operations.
Cross-country movement of tracked and wheeled
vehicles would be restrictA and in places precluded
by steep-sided valleys and by scattered areas of dense
forest. Onroad movement would be limited to a two-
lane, bituminous-surfaced road paralleling the Congo
River and a few unsurfaced roads and tracks, which
are impassable in places after heavy rains. A ferry at
Matadi could be a serious bottleneck. Construction of
new roads would be difficult because alignments
would be restricted by steep slopes; and numerous
sharp curves, steep grades, mucF grading, and many
bridges and culverts would be needed. In addition, in
the plains roads must be built on high embankments
because of flooding. The Congo River is navigable bN
oceangoing vessels as far as Matadi. Concealment
from air observation would be afforded by scattered
dense broadleaf evergreen forests, mainly in the plains
near the co and along streams in the hills.
Elsewhere, tall grass would afford concealment from
ground observation, but during the dry season the
danger of conflagration is great. Construction of
tunnel-type installations would be difficult because of
poor rock stability and the need for long adits and
41
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shafts. Bunker-type installations could he built in
places neir the coast, Init snoring would he required.
Conditions are predominantly unsuited for airborne
and airmohile operations. There are few sites suitable
for parachute drops and helicopter landings because of
steep slopes, areas of dense forest, and marsh and
swamp near the coast. A few sites are available on the
lower hill slopes and on a few interstrean, areas in tile
rolling or dissected plains. Assault-type aircraft could
land at an airfield near Banana. Construction of
airfields would be generally difficult because of the
need for much grading, excavating, and fill material,
and in die plains near the coast, poor foundations
would hinder construction; also, approaches %vould be
restricted.
In much (of the region, conditions are poor for
irregular 'lorce operations because of limit(.(]
concealment from air and ground obsen and
poor cover. Only in the north%vest, vdicre there are
dense forests and steep slopes, are conditions excellent
for concealment from air and ground observation and
good for cover. Food supplies are limited to corn and
other cereals and cassava, which are grown near
Olages. Water supplies a-e plentiful but bacterially
contaminated. Ahnndant shelter materials are
available only in the dense forests. which primarily are
in the northwest. Siipplics could be airdroppeil on
scattered small, predominantiv grass-covered plains
arid rollinp hills.
The coast of the region is unsuited for 'karge-scale
amphibious operatiovs because of encumbered
approaches, poor exits, arid unfavorable coastal
teriain. Offshore approaches are mostly cleaf, t
nearshore approaches are partly obstructed by sho,:;s
and reefs and by floating debris near the Congo River
mouth; the flat nearshore bottom gradients would also
hinder most operations. The coastal terrain consists of
a low swampy plain extending up to 6 miles inland,
after which appear low hills and plains dissected by
numerous marsh-fringed streams. Most coastal areas
are fringed by sandy shores interrupted by scattered
rocky outcrops and several stream rnouths; bluffs
closely back shores along the central and southern
parts of the coast. Except in the south, exits are
generally poor; movement farther inland would be
restricted to a few roads and tracks across swampy
terrain.
C. Strategic areas (C)
Zaire has two strategic areas, Bas-Zaire and Shaba
(Figure 11). These contain the largest cities and are the
key industrial, mining, communication, arid political
centers.
10
1. Bas-?.aire
This strategic area Figure 12 contaitis the
countrv's onlv ports for oceangoing ships, most of the
light industr%" arid the largest concentration of storage
facilities for refined petroleum products, the oidy
crude oil storage facilities. and the only long-distancf.
petroleum pipelines.
Kinshasa (population about 1.3 millioti in 1970
the capital ar.,I largest cit%. is tliv main river port and
transshipment Point on tile Congo Rive and the cbief
commercial, telecommunication, and military center
in the country. Important -installations in(lude
railroad repair shops, machinery reppir shops, 4 bree
small shipyards, and faetorics produc,ng steel drnms
and tin cans, textiles, shoes. tile, ,)aim oil, arid
plywood. There are storag
g e facilities for over 6(X).O(H)
barrels of refined petroleum pr,dacts an(] large
covered storage facilities. Two refined petroleum
products pipelines from Matadi (on(- from Ango Ango
and one from Matadi proper) terminate at Kinshasa.
Southeast of Kinshasa is one of the largest civil
airfields in Africa.
Matadi (population I 10,0(X) in 1970), located at the
head of navigation for oceangoing ships on tbe Congo
River, is the principal port for the coinitry. and at
nearby Ango Ango there are storage facilities for
.303,(X)O I)arr(-I.s of refined petroleurn products. Boma
(population 6.3,000 in 1970). downstream from
Matadi, is the second largest maritime port and has
ship repair facilities. At Muanda there are facilities for
4350)0 barrels of crude oil and 2180M barrels of
refined petroletun products an(] an oil refinery that has
a throughput capacity of 13.8(X) barrels a day. About 6
miles east of the town there is a military airfield. In
addition, Lukala has one of the largest cenlent plants
in the country.
2. Shaba
This strategic area, adjoining the copperbelt of
northern Zambia. contains one of the largest copper
reserves in the world (Figure 13). Numerous mines,
most]%- open pit, are located in a narrow belt extending
from near Kol%% to the vicinity of Lubumbashi.
These mines produce about 4000)() tons of copper ore
a year, and the country is the fifth largest producer in
tile world. In addition, generaliv more than half of the
world production of cobalt, most of the germanium,
arid important quantities of zinc and lead ore are
produce(] as byproducts of copper mining. Near Likasi
arid Kolwezi are large electrolytic refineries.
Luburnbashi (population 318,000 in 1970), is the
second largest city in the country an(] has a copper
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16 CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 2 4
SANGU! SUDAIJ
__Imdlo
EROON
kCA
te
'_keti
Lisale ungbere
Ouesso
13
GABON
Mbandake 4angan.
4
tilbundi Ed., GAN
Go
i 'AIGALI
Mbin
f Bukb-- N
swa Port do Kindu
C NGO andundu Livir RUND
ZAVILLE sankum BUJIUMB
0
00
Idu f Lusambo
)I Kik i I ma
010 Kanan TA ANIA
ji-mayl
'P Is
Tshikepa Xabalo Kai
N L A
Atlantic Mpanda
Ocean ambi
L. tkir
TANGANYIKA
ED S'rategic area amina lak, mpulungu
Approach
Internal rou!e z AMBIA
udl
Landing beach A G 0 L A
Vila Tei it Lake
RailroaG lie So it to liter kasi
Road
0 Wes
0 100 200 KNo�ters Chilliabombwe
CONFIDENTIAL U ZAMBIA Ndola
2-73 SO NDARY REPRESENTATION is
500986 CIA N OT NECESSARILY AUTHORITATIVE
FIGURE 11. Strategic areas, internal routes, and approacheg (C)
smelter, railroad repair shop. and storage faciliti for area has a half of the total electric power in the
.380X) barrels of refined petroletim products. Three cotintrv.
civil airfields are near the city. An important town outside the strategic area is
Lil'asi (population' 146,M) in 1970) an(] Kolwezi Kis aigani (poptilation 230,(X)o in 1970). This city,
(population 58.000 in 1970) are also important mining located at the head of navigation oil the Congo Rive r.
and transportaticm centers. At Kolwezi there is storage is the fowth largest citN, the third largest port in the
for 60,0W barrels of refined petrolviini products. At countrv, and an imporiant transshipment point and
Likasi are it lead and copper sinelter, an oxygen pl. railroa('1 termirms. Important industrial establishments
and machinery repair shops, and nvar'
I)v are -in illchide it railroad repair shop, ship repair vard, Hour
explosives factory and a cement plant. The strategic mill, soal) factory. sawmill, brickworks' and an
11
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FIGURE 14. Wenwa rout" (C) (Cmifirmed)
OrIPROAD DIRPZRBAL AND CROSS-COVWTRY
ROVTZ
ROAD
RAILROAD
MOVEMENT
Leadsi from landing beach near Banana to
From beach to Roma, one to two Ian". pre-
None
Hindered in places by steep-banked streams,
Ma". Near coast, crosses low plains with
dominantly earth, in Poor to fair condition;
1y miry ground in marshes s.id swamps.
marsh and swamp areas; from near Boma to
remainder mostly two lanes with bituminous
and by stands of dense broadleaf
MLtadi, across low hills an4 rolling and
surface in good condition except for soinestretches
evergreen forest.
dissected plains covered by gram and patcheb of
where grAvel and single lane. in fair condition.
dense forest.
After heavy rains movement slowed or halted for
short periods by flooding in some areas and by
miry ground in the earth sections. Ferry at
Matadi potential bottleueek.
Links Kinshas4 and Lubumbashi. Traverses
Betwcen Kinshasa and Kenge and between Lubudi
Single track, WWO gage,
14.my in some are" where surfams rolling
predominantly grass.-covered, rolling or dissected
and Lublimbashi, two lane*, bituminous surface,
in good condition;
and grass cov however, in places
plains.
in good condition. Elsewhere, mainly earth and
between Ilebo and
hindered by dissected surfaces, by broad
in poor condition; some stretches of laterite and
Lubumbashi.
and deep streams, and frequently during
gravel. la places, traffic slowed by sharp curves
rainy season by miry ground and
and steep grades. Movement slowed at times
flooding along streams.
during rainy season, November through March,
by miry surfam-a and during dry season, May
through September, by loose sand between Idiofa
and Kenge. Fords, ferries, and several narrow
bridges potential bottlenecks.
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