Since 2004, the IMF has taken the lead in administering a package aimed at greatly easing Congo's debt burden--a move more likely to help Mr. Sassou-Nguesso's government than the people who live under it. Debt relief has a nice ring, plays well at charity rock concerts, and keeps the IMF busy. The irony is that that for the people of Congo--as opposed to the regime-- the most useful debate may be inspired not by the poverty professionals, but by the likes of private creditors, who far from offering official aid or debt forgiveness are seeking to collect on Congo's old...