Patrice Emery Lumumba Biography and Timeline

All-African Peoples Conference

Attends the All-African Peoples Conference in Accra and strengthens links with African independence leaders.

Congolese National Movement

Helps establish the Mouvement National Congolais as a national movement advocating independence and a unified Congo.

MNC Radical Independence Campaign

Expands the MNC campaign for national unity and immediate independence from Belgian rule.

Brussels Round Table Conference

Lumumba joins Congolese delegates negotiating the timetable and framework for independence.

Release for Brussels Round Table

Is released from detention so he can participate in the negotiations on Congolese independence.

Parliamentary Elections

Lumumba's political alliance emerges as the largest grouping in the national elections.

Formation of Independence Government

Lumumba forms a coalition government shortly before national independence.

Role range: 1960-1960

Independence Day Speech

Delivers a forceful independence speech condemning colonial humiliation and asserting Congolese dignity.

Request for United Nations Assistance

Lumumba's government requests United Nations military assistance following Belgian intervention.

Role range: 1960-1960

Break in Diplomatic Relations with Belgium

The government breaks diplomatic relations with Belgium during the Congo Crisis.

Role range: 1960-1960

Washington Diplomatic Mission

Visits Washington seeking political and material support for the new Congolese government.

Turns to Soviet Assistance

Accepts Soviet transport and logistical support after Western governments refuse the military assistance he requests.

Counter-Dismissal of Kasa-Vubu

Rejects his dismissal and announces that President Kasa-Vubu has instead been removed from office.

Parliamentary Support

Parliament rejects the competing dismissal orders and confirms support for Lumumba's government.

Role range: 1960-1960

Removal from Government

Mobutu's coup neutralises Lumumba's government as United States covert support shifts toward the new authorities.

Role range: 1960-1960

Escape from House Confinement

Lumumba leaves confinement and attempts to reach supporters in Stanleyville.

Role range: 1960-1960

Capture near Port Francqui

Troops loyal to Mobutu capture Lumumba during his attempted journey eastward.

Independence Date Agreed at Brussels

Participates in negotiations that set 30 June 1960 as the date for Congolese independence.

Death of Patrice Lumumba

Lumumba is executed in Katanga with Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito.

Transfer to Katanga Custody

Is transferred to Katanga, where he is placed in the custody of political enemies before his execution.