The Assassination Of Lumumba By Ludo De Witte Pdf
The assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the first democratically elected prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is one of the most significant events in African history. His death was not only a tragedy for the Congolese people but also a turning point for Africa’s political future. In this article, we will be reviewing Ludo De Witte’s book, “The Assassination of Lumumba,” which provides a detailed account of the events leading up to Lumumba’s death and the role played by the Belgian government and the CIA in the assassination.
The Life and Legacy of Patrice Lumumba
Patrice Lumumba was born in Onalua in the Kasai province of the Belgian Congo in 1925. He was a charismatic leader, a brilliant orator, and a passionate advocate for Congolese independence. He founded the Mouvement National Congolais (MNC) in 1958, the largest political party in the Congo at the time, and became the first democratically elected prime minister in June 1960.
Lumumba’s political agenda was centered around ending the oppression of the Congolese people by the Belgian colonialists and promoting equal rights for all citizens. He was a vocal critic of international imperialism and supported the non-aligned movement. However, his progressive views were seen as a threat to the interests of Western powers, who saw him as a communist sympathizer.
The Assassination of Lumumba
The events leading up to Lumumba’s assassination were complex and involved the interests of multiple governments and intelligence agencies. De Witte’s book provides a detailed account of the various actors involved and their motivations for wanting Lumumba dead.
The Belgian government, which had ruled the Congo as a colony for decades, saw Lumumba’s rise to power as a threat to their economic interests in the country. The Belgian government had a vested interest in the Congo’s vast mineral resources and saw Lumumba’s plans for nationalizing the Congo’s resources as a direct threat to their profits.
The CIA, which had been involved in covert operations in the Congo for years, also saw Lumumba as a threat to their interests in the region. The CIA had provided support to the secessionist province of Katanga, which was led by Moise Tshombe and had declared independence from the Congo. Lumumba had denounced the secession and called for a united Congo, which was seen as a threat to the CIA’s plans for the region.
In September 1960, just three months after Lumumba became prime minister, President Eisenhower signed a secret executive order authorizing the CIA to assassinate Lumumba. The CIA worked with Belgian intelligence to carry out the assassination, which took place on January 17, 1961. Lumumba was brutally beaten, tortured, and shot to death.
The Impact of Lumumba’s Assassination
Lumumba’s assassination had a profound impact on the Congo and the rest of Africa. It plunged the Congo into a period of instability and violence, with multiple rebellions and military coups taking place in the years following Lumumba’s death. It also set a dangerous precedent for Western intervention in African politics and cemented a legacy of foreign interference in the region that is still felt today.
Lumumba’s legacy, however, lives on. He is remembered as a hero and a martyr for African independence and is celebrated as a symbol of resistance against imperialism and oppression. His death sparked a movement for African unity and solidarity, which continues to inspire political activists across the continent.
Conclusion
“The Assassination of Lumumba” is a powerful and important book that sheds light on one of the darkest chapters in African history. De Witte’s extensive research and detailed analysis make this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex political landscape of Africa in the 1960s. Lumumba’s assassination remains a stark reminder of the dangers of foreign intervention in African politics and the importance of fighting for democracy and independence.
