In the Middle of It

Prior to 1950 there was little sense of nationalism in The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as the region was divided ethnically and under Belgian rule of King Leopold II. Before Belgian rule, in the late 19th century, the country was known as “Congo free state” and was being violently exploited for its natural resources and native people. Inequality was a significant issue in the country due to colonial rule, and the process of decolonization started with nationalism. The cruelty that the indigenous Congolese people were facing, and the economic standing of the country, pressured Belgium to officially take political control in 1908. The country became Belgian Congo and developed into a more urbanized country that become recognized by the US and Russia for its natural resources. Everything changed around 1959 when movements against the colonial Belgium rule began. Many groups and movements were formed, the most significant of which was the Mouvement National Congolais (MNC). The MNC was an organization with the goal of independence led by Patrice Lumumba. This movement began a call for nationalism across the country, however parties were still divided, and many criticized the MNC. Nationalist parties began demonstrations and riots, in many cases turned violent and resulted in citizen casualties. In light of these events, a high-profile round table conference was held in January of the next year in Brussels. Important Congolese leaders gathered, including those from the MNC to discuss issues regarding politics, ethnicity, and Belgium-DRC relations. The conference was inconclusive, however in June of 1960 colonial rule was terminated and the Independent Republic of the Congo was formed.  

Shortly after independence was declared, Lumumba gave an unscheduled speech in response to that of king Baudouin. The speech praised the success of the nationalist movement and its path to independence, additionally he criticized colonialism. The speech was not well received by some Congolese politicians and brought to question if the element of patriotism was necessary and how it intersected with the idea of nationalism. Despite almost creating a diplomatic conflict with Belgium, the country continued its celebration of independence.  

(Patrice Lumumba)

Works Referenced: 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo | World Civilizations I (HIS101) – Biel. courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-fmcc-boundless-worldhistory/chapter/the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo. Accessed 16 Oct. 2022. 

Image detail courtesy National Archives of The Netherlands (2.24.01.05)