1. Assassination of Patrice Lumumba 1960-1961

2. 2 Belgian Control of the Congo: 1884-1960 Home to various kingdoms before colonization Colony First, King Leopold controlled Congo personally Abuse led the Belgium govt to take over in 1908

3. 3 Decolonization in Africa After WWII, African countries began negotiating, demanding and winning independence from the Europeans

4. 4 Pressure for Independence Patrice Lumumba at the round table in Belgium, 1960 Until 1950s, Belgium didn’t consider Congolese independence Congolese political parties formed National Congolese Movement (MNC), co-founded by Patrice Lumbumba MNC: national, pro- independence party United Congolese from a variety of political backgrounds Not based on regional or ethnic identities

5. 5 An Independent Congolese Government Patrice Lumumba Head of MNC Named Prime Minister Joseph Kasavubu Head of Bakongo Abako Named President Moise Tshombe Head of Conakat Leader of state of Katanga Jan.1960 Belgians hosted a round table to put together a plan for independence. Agreed at the mtg. that June 30, 1960 Congo would gain independence

6. 6 Troubles for Lumumba Trouble started quickly after independence. Army Mutiny b/c of mistreatment State of Katanga tried to secede Leader, Moise Tshombe, not part of the new government. Resource rich area < 10 weeks after he became prime minister, Lumumba was dismissed from power by Kasavubu on Sept. 5 1960

7. 7 Removed from Power Lumumba speaking with supporters in effort to regain office, 1960 Colonel Joseph Motbtu, later becomes president, staged a military coup on Sept. 14 Lumumba put under house arrest Belgium, Britain and the United States were all plotting Lumumba’s assassination.

8. 8 Assassination in Katanga Monument for Patrice Lumumba in Leipzig, Germany In danger, Lumumba tried to escape with his family. Army found Lumumba Arrested Beaten Flown to Katanga province. Jailed for a few days Taken to a forest Killed by firing squad Katangese police or military

9. Why was Patrice Lumumba assassinated? Central Historical Question Although we know the groups involved in killing Lumumba, we still need to determine why so many different actors and countries wanted him dead.