Belgian Congo Attains Independence as République du Congo in 1960

In May 1960, the Mouvement National Congolais, led by Patrice Lumumba, emerged victorious in the parliamentary elections, marking a significant turning point in the history of the Republic of the Congo. On June 24, 1960, Lumumba was appointed as the first Prime Minister of the newly independent nation. The political landscape was further shaped by the election of Joseph Kasa-Vubu as president, representing the Alliance des Bakongo (ABAKO) party. This period also saw the rise of other political entities, including the Parti Solidaire Africain, led by Antoine Gizenga, and the Parti National du Peuple, spearheaded by Albert Delvaux and Laurent Mbariko. The Republic of the Congo officially gained independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960, transitioning from the Belgian Congo to the Republic of the Congo. This momentous event was followed by the independence of the French colony of Middle Congo on August 15, 1960, which adopted the same name. The former Belgian Congo is now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), while the former French colony retained the name 'Republic of the Congo'. This era was marked by both hope and turmoil as the nation navigated its newfound sovereignty amidst internal and external challenges.