Patrice Émery Lumumba was a Congolese independence leader, politician, and the first democratically elected Prime Minister of the Republic of the Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Born on July 2, 1925, in Onalua, Belgian Congo, Lumumba played a key role in the country\'s struggle for independence.
*Early Life and Education*
Lumumba was born to a Tetela family in the Kasai region. He received missionary education and later worked as a postal clerk and accountant.
*Nationalist Politics*
In 1955, Lumumba joined the Mouvement National Congolais (MNC), advocating for Congolese independence. He became the party\'s president in 1958.
*Independence and Prime Ministership*
On June 30, 1960, the Congo gained independence, with Lumumba as Prime Minister and Joseph Kasavubu as President.
*Challenges and Conflicts*
Lumumba faced:
1. *Katanga secession*: Moise Tshombe\'s declaration of independence for the mineral-rich Katanga region.
2. *UN intervention*: The United Nations\' involvement in the Congo crisis.
3. *Internal power struggles*: Conflict with President Kasavubu and other Congolese leaders.
*Assassination*
On January 17, 1961, Lumumba was arrested, tortured, and executed by firing squad in Élisabethville (now Lubumbashi), Katanga. His death was a result of a conspiracy involving:
1. *Belgian government*
2. *CIA*
3. *Katanga separatists*
4. *Congolese rivals*
*Legacy*
Lumumba\'s legacy includes:
1. *Congolese independence*
2. *Pan-Africanism*
3. *Nationalism*
4. *Anti-colonialism*
*Quotes*
1. \"The Congo\'s independence is not a gift from Belgium, but a right won by the Congolese people.\"
2. \"We are not opposed to the West, but we want to be free to choose our own path.\"
*Tributes*
1. *Patrice Lumumba University* in Moscow
2. *Lumumba Square* in Kinshasa
3. *Patrice Lumumba Avenue* in Brazzaville
Lumumba\'s life and death symbolize the struggles of African nations for self-determination and independence.
*Books*
1. \"The Truth About My Assassination\" (1972)
2. \"Patrice Lumumba: Selected Speeches and Writings\" (1972)
*Films*
1. \"Lumumba\" (2000)
2. \"Patrice Lumumba\" (1975)
*Documentaries*
1. \"The Assassination of Patrice Lumumba\" (2011)
2. \"Lumumba: The Last Days\" (2009)
