History of the Congo

The Belgian Congo
-first ever elections in December 1957
-many violent riots in Leopoldville in January 1959
-Belgian government planned to give Congo only limited independence
-Elections in May 1960; Lumumba became prime minister and Kasavubu became president
-gained independence on June 30, 1960

Republic of Congo
-many violent riots from political parties and the Congolese army revolted
-Belgium sent in troops to restore order
-Katanga seceded from the Congo in July 1960
-Colonel Joseph Mobutu seized control of the government and Lumumba was put on house arrest
-By end of 1960, Congo divided into 4 parts: Leopoldville, Stanleyville, South Kasai, Katanga
-Pro-Lumumba soldiers invaded northern Katanga in January 1961
-Lumumba was murdered January 17, 1961
-April 1960 Tshombe agreed to end the Katanga secession to free himself; Katanga proclaimed independence from the Congo again in July; Katanga finally ended secession January 1963
-Central government regained control on the entire country in 1964

Sources
-http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761561261_1/Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo.html
-http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/features/storyofafrica/14chapter7.shtml
-http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9015197
-http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9049346/Patrice-Lumumba#57194.hook
-http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0857522.html