"Patrice Lumumba asked us to keep this day, June 30, 1960, in our hearts forever and tell our children of it's meaning." (Kingsolver 182)
How it happened:
After being cruelly ruled by Belgium for years, revolts began in the Congo. They knew they wanted to run their own country, but the people themselves had no idea how. "There were no African army officers, only three African managers in the entire civil service, and only 30 university graduates." (Independence www) The nation was seriously unprepared, but still managed a democratic vote, officially electing Patrice Lumumba as their leader. Quickly after electing this new leader however, things became out of hand. Katanga declares itself an independent area, UN troops intervene, and Lumumba is captured and murdered. (Independence Timeline www)
What Rev. Price hears:"'Leopoldville and Stanleyville have been shut down with riots and strikes, in case you haven't heard... Elections will be mid-May. Independence day, June thirtieth... We have called the Congo our home for many years, as you know, but this situation is very extreme. Nathan, perhaps you don't understand how serious this is. In all likelihood the embassy will evacuate from Leopoldville.'" (Kingsolver 163)
| What did happen:"On 30 June 1960... The first President of the new nation, Joseph Kasavubu, declared Patrice Lumumba,leader of the Congolese National Movement... for prime minister... Lumumba was an exceptional African politician... but he failed to prevent the outbreak of civil strife on the very day following the independence ceremonies. Therefore, his and Kasavubu’s agreement with Belgians barely survived the following elections, marked by violent skirmishes between the major divisions of the country’s major ethnic groups." (Part 1 www)
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