Patrice Emery Lumumba Biography

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lumumba forms a coalition government shortly before national independence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lumumba leaves confinement and attempts to reach supporters in Stanleyville.

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

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

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