Why was Patrice Lumumba assassinated? Crisis in the Congo Why was Patrice Lumumba assassinated?

I. Congo Gains Independence A. 1960: Belgium decides to grant independence to the Congo, will allow Congolese to vote for leaders 1. MNC party wins most votes, their leader Patrice Lumumba will become Prime Minister 2. US- & Belgian-backed Bakongo party place second, their leader Joseph Kasavubu will become President (ceremonial role) B. US & Belgium oppose Lumumba because had been critical of Belgian rule & MNC was deemed to have communist leanings

II. Chaos after Independence Day A. Katanga, Congo’s largest and most resource-rich province, threatens to break away from the country 1. Why? Their leader was not part of new govt, although US & Belgium said Lumumba was provoking Katanga to leave B. Congolese general Joseph Mobuto decides to overthrow Lumumba’s govt – Katanga doesn’t break away

III. Dictatorship in Zaire A. Lumumba tries to escape, but is caught and later assassinated (no trial) B. Mobuto consolidates power, bans all other political parties and rules through fear 1. Changes his name to Mobuto Sese Seko & country to Zaire