Congo Crisis (1960–1965)

1. Congo gains independence; new leaders sworn in

   Jun 30, 1960Labels: Patrice Lumumba, Joseph Kasa-Vubu, Republic of

   • Britannica
   • Britannica

2. Force Publique mutiny triggers nationwide breakdown

   Jul 5, 1960Labels: Force Publique, Congolese Army

   • Force Publique
   • Britannica

3. Katanga secedes under Moïse Tshombe

   Jul 11, 1960Labels: Katanga, Mo se

   • Britannica
   • Katanga Constitution

4. UN authorizes ONUC peacekeeping mission

   Jul 14, 1960Labels: ONUC, United Nations

   • UN Peacekeeping
   • UN Resolutions

5. South Kasai secession deepens fragmentation

   Aug 9, 1960Labels: South Kasai, Albert Kalonji

   • South Kasai

6. Kasa-Vubu dismisses Lumumba, sparking constitutional crisis

   Sep 5, 1960Labels: Joseph Kasa-Vubu, Patrice Lumumba

   • Britannica
   • Dissolution

7. Mobutu “neutralizes” politicians in September coup

   Sep 14, 1960Labels: Joseph-D sir, Congolese Army

   • Britannica

8. Lumumba arrested after attempting to reach supporters

   Dec 2, 1960Labels: Patrice Lumumba, Mobutu forces

   • Britannica

9. Gizenga forms Stanleyville-based rival government

   Dec 12, 1960Labels: Antoine Gizenga, Stanleyville government

   • Gizenga
   • Free Republic

10. Lumumba executed in Katanga

    Jan 17, 1961Labels: Patrice Lumumba, Katanga

    • Britannica
    • Britannica

11. UN Security Council expands mandate after Lumumba killing

    Feb 21, 1961Labels: UN Security, Resolution 161

    • Refworld 161
    • UN Resolutions

12. Dag Hammarskjöld dies en route to Congo negotiations

    Sep 18, 1961Labels: Dag Hammarskj, Ndola crash

    • Ndola crash

13. UN military offensive ends Katanga secession

    Jan 15, 1963Labels: Operation Grandslam, ONUC

    • Grandslam
    • Britannica

14. Tshombe returns as prime minister to fight eastern rebellions

    Jul 10, 1964Labels: Mo se, Prime Minister

    • Tshombe bio
    • SAHO

15. Luluabourg Constitution takes effect; country renamed

    Aug 1, 1964Labels: Luluabourg Constitution, Democratic Republic

    • DRC names
    • 1964 referendum

16. Operation Dragon Rouge retakes Stanleyville and frees hostages

    Nov 24, 1964Labels: Operation Dragon, Belgian paratroopers

    • Dragon Rouge
    • Simba rebellion

17. Kasa-Vubu dismisses Tshombe amid growing political deadlock

    Oct 13, 1965Labels: Joseph Kasa-Vubu, Mo se

    • Tshombe bio

18. Mobutu seizes power, ending the Congo Crisis phase

    Nov 24, 1965Labels: Mobutu Sese, coup d'

    • Nov 1965
    • DRC overview