Independent Africa
The Congo
Became independent in June 1960.
Critical situation soon developed which brought the Cold War to
Africa.
Congo became a tool of the Western powers.
Belgian rule in the Congo was very harsh.
People forced to pay high taxes and had to do forced labour.
Policy based on paternalism
Belief that Africa should be treated as a child
and not allowed any responsibility.
Few secondary schools and had no higher education for Africans.
After WW2 Belgians determined to keep Congo under their control
and stop the spread of nationalist ideas.
Late 1950s political parties were banned as well as independent
African newspapers.
After violent protests in towns around Congo in 1958 Belgium granted
independence within six months.
Hoping that if moved quickly they could keep control of the
government behind the scenes due to politicians being inexperienced.
People of Congo unprepared for this sudden change.
Large number of political parties for formed.
Many regionally based parties which drew their support from a single
ethnic group.
Elections May 1960, hope that independence would resolve the
problems caused by years of power and oppression.
120 political parties participated, and no single party won an outright
majority.
The Mouvement National Congolais (MNC) under Patrice Lumumba
won the majority seats.
Only party which had attempted to gain nation-wide rather than
regionally based support.
Lumumba formed a coalition government.
The Congo
Became independent in June 1960.
Critical situation soon developed which brought the Cold War to
Africa.
Congo became a tool of the Western powers.
Belgian rule in the Congo was very harsh.
People forced to pay high taxes and had to do forced labour.
Policy based on paternalism
Belief that Africa should be treated as a child
and not allowed any responsibility.
Few secondary schools and had no higher education for Africans.
After WW2 Belgians determined to keep Congo under their control
and stop the spread of nationalist ideas.
Late 1950s political parties were banned as well as independent
African newspapers.
After violent protests in towns around Congo in 1958 Belgium granted
independence within six months.
Hoping that if moved quickly they could keep control of the
government behind the scenes due to politicians being inexperienced.
People of Congo unprepared for this sudden change.
Large number of political parties for formed.
Many regionally based parties which drew their support from a single
ethnic group.
Elections May 1960, hope that independence would resolve the
problems caused by years of power and oppression.
120 political parties participated, and no single party won an outright
majority.
The Mouvement National Congolais (MNC) under Patrice Lumumba
won the majority seats.
Only party which had attempted to gain nation-wide rather than
regionally based support.
Lumumba formed a coalition government.
