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Patrice Lumumba, the first Prime Minister of the independent Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was killed on January 17, 1961. His death was a result of a complex interplay of internal Congolese political rivalries and Cold War-era international interference. Here's a breakdown of the "why" and "who":

Why was Patrice Lumumba killed?
Lumumba was a charismatic nationalist leader who advocated for a united Congo and resisted foreign control over the country’s vast resources, particularly in the mineral-rich Katanga province. His pan-Africanist stance and perceived alignment with the Soviet Union during the Cold War made him a target for both domestic opponents and Western powers who feared losing influence in the region. Key reasons for his assassination include:

Political Instability in Congo: After Congo gained independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960, the country quickly descended into chaos, known as the Congo Crisis. Lumumba’s government faced mutinies in the army, secessionist movements (notably in Katanga, led by Moïse Tshombe), and a power struggle with President Joseph Kasa-Vubu. Lumumba’s decision to seek Soviet assistance to quell the rebellions alarmed Western powers.
Cold War Dynamics: The United States and Belgium viewed Lumumba as a potential Soviet ally in Africa, which they saw as a threat to their geopolitical interests. Declassified documents later revealed that the CIA considered him a destabilizing figure and explored plans to eliminate him.
Economic Interests: Congo’s immense mineral wealth, including cobalt, copper, and uranium, was coveted by foreign corporations and governments. Lumumba’s push for economic independence clashed with Belgian and Western corporate interests, particularly in Katanga, which was backed by Belgium.
Internal Enemies: Lumumba alienated powerful Congolese figures like Kasa-Vubu and Joseph Mobutu (then army chief of staff), who saw him as a rival. His uncompromising leadership style and centralization efforts further fueled opposition.
Who killed Patrice Lumumba?
Lumumba’s death involved multiple actors, both Congolese and foreign:

Congolese Rivals: After being ousted from power in a coup led by Mobutu on September 14, 1960, Lumumba was placed under house arrest. He escaped but was recaptured by Mobutu’s forces in December 1960. Mobutu, Kasa-Vubu, and Tshombe (the Katanga secessionist leader) were key Congolese figures who wanted Lumumba removed. On January 17, 1961, Lumumba and two aides, Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito, were executed by a firing squad in Katanga, under the supervision of Katangese authorities loyal to Tshombe.
Belgian Involvement: Belgium, the former colonial power, played a significant role. Belgian officers and advisers were present in Katanga and actively supported the secessionist regime. A Belgian police commissioner, Frans Verscheure, reportedly oversaw the execution, and Belgian mercenaries were involved. In 2002, Belgium officially apologized for its role in Lumumba’s death after a parliamentary inquiry confirmed its complicity.
United States’ Role: The CIA, under orders from the Eisenhower administration, had devised plans to assassinate Lumumba (including a bizarre plot involving poisoned toothpaste). While there’s no definitive evidence the CIA directly pulled the trigger, declassified documents show they supported Mobutu and provided intelligence and funding to anti-Lumumba factions. CIA station chief Larry Devlin was deeply involved in the events leading to Lumumba’s downfall.
Execution Details: Lumumba was beaten, tortured, and shot by a firing squad composed of Katangese soldiers. To cover up the crime, Belgian officers later ordered his body to be dismembered and dissolved in acid, leaving no trace.
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