Patrice Lumumba
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The period of decolinisation between the 1950s and 1960s saw a rapid rise of newly formed independent states. Leaders, many of which are now regarded as revolutionary figures, rose to prominence during this time. Their daring attempts to break away from monarchs and republics to form their own governments and establish political autonomy over their people was met with much resistance and one can only imagine the courage and will that they possessed to achieve their goals. One of the most notable leaders from Africa that emerged during this time was Patrice Émery Lumumba. On June 30, 1960 Lumumba was installed as the first Prime Minister of The Democratic Republic of Congo. The newly formed nation had fought hard against Belgium for its freedom and though Lumumba’s term in office was short, his impact on the region should not be downplayed.
Born and raised in humble beginnings in 1925, Lumumba took interest in Congo’s political affairs early on and was instrumental in the founding of the Mouvement National Congolais. As a political party, the MNC promoted development initiatives in Congo, African integration, and supported the move away from Belgian rule and control over their domestic and international affairs. Lumumba sought the assistance of international partners to assist in establishing stability in The Congo and expel the remaining Belgian backed rebels but Belgian influence and a lack of confidence in Western Countries to support the newly formed nation resulted in few willingly to openly support the country.
In fact, reports published by the Belgian Commission revealed that the Eisenhour Administration had sanctioned an assassination attempt against Lumumba and the Central Intelligence Agency was working with their Belgian partners to thwart his government. Hope for the Lumumba’s presidency came in the form a young Senator Kennedy who felt sympathy for the Lumumba’s cause. Following his election in November 1960, Kennedy while undergoing the period of transition before his inauguration, is alleged to have said that he supported independence movements. Kennedy openly stated that he wished to curtail the operations of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Kennedy’s support for Lumumba was not enough to stave opposition forces. On 17th January 1961, Lumumba was captured and executed. His death was kept secret for weeks. His body was dissolved in acid. In June 2022, a gold crown tooth of Lumumba was given an official state funeral and was laid to rest some 62 years after his death.
Lumumba gave his life for the freedom of his country and people. He will forever be immortalized in history and his vision and courage for Congolese freedom and development must serve as inspiration far beyond the African continent. At the Ceremony for the Proclamation of The Congo’s Independence in June 1960, Lumumba pleaded for unity and encouraged Congolese to be proud of what they had achieved in his address and he outlined that “It (our struggle) was filled with tears, fire and blood. We are deeply proud of our struggle, because it was just and noble and indispensable in putting an end to the humiliating bondage forced upon us.” The firey speech was met with mixed reactions. He was praised by Congolese nationalists who supported his rhetoric while the colonialists felt that the speech was ill timed.
I first read about Lumumba about two years ago and I am happy that I did. His courage and belief in his country is inspiring and even in his death he continues to be an icon for justice and liberation.
Justice, Paix, Travail
