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Death in the Congo: The Assassination of Patrice Lumumba

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Patrice Lumumba, the first democratically elected prime minister of the Congo, was assassinated in 1961. His death marked the beginning of a long and bloody civil war that continues to this day. Death in the Congo is a gripping account of Lumumba's life and death, and the complex political landscape of the Congo.

Death in the Congo: Murdering Patrice Lumumba

by Harinder Sikka

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6147 KB
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Print length	:	293 pages

Lumumba was born in 1925 in the Belgian Congo. He was a brilliant student and a passionate advocate for Congolese independence. In 1958, he co-founded the Mouvement National Congolais (MNC),which quickly became the leading nationalist party in the Congo.

In 1960, the Congo gained independence from Belgium. Lumumba was elected prime minister, and he immediately set about establishing a new government. However, his government was quickly challenged by a group of secessionist leaders, including Moise Tshombe in Katanga and Albert Kalonji in South Kasai.

Lumumba appealed to the United Nations for help in putting down the secessionist movements. The UN sent a peacekeeping force to the Congo, but it was unable to stop the violence. In September 1961, Lumumba was overthrown in a military coup led by Colonel Joseph Mobutu.

Lumumba was imprisoned and tortured. In January 1961, he was executed by a firing squad. His death sent shockwaves around the world and led to widespread condemnation of the Mobutu regime.

Death in the Congo is a powerful and moving account of Lumumba's life and death. It is a must-read for anyone interested in African history or the history of the Cold War.

About the Author

Adam Hochschild is an American journalist and author. He has written extensively about the Congo, including the book King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa.

Reviews

"Death in the Congo is a brilliant and harrowing account of one of the most important events in African history. Hochschild's writing is clear and concise, and his research is impeccable. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Congo, Africa, or the Cold War."

-The New York Times

"Death in the Congo is a powerful and moving story of a great man who was betrayed by his own people and by the world. Hochschild's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the tragedy of the Congo."

-The Washington Post