In The Congo...

The Congo from 1955-1966
Prior to 1960, the Congo had been ruled by Belgium and its government. In May of 1960, the Mouvement National Congolais, led by Patrice Lumumba, won the parlimentary elections for the Congo. Patrice Lumumba was then appointed Prime Minister, and
Joseph Kasavubu of the Alliance des Bakongo party was elected President. On June 30, 1960 the Congo gained independence from Belgium under the name "Republic of Congo". Certain events led to major conflicts between President Kasavubu and Prime Minister Lumumba. These conflicts led to the dismissal of Prime Minister Lumumba on September 5, 1960. Joseph Mobutu, the chief of staff of Armee Nationale Congolaise, took advantage of this conflict between Lumumba and Kasavubu and gained military support to action action while the elected government was weak. He was financially supported by both the US and Belgium, and was therefore able to pay his soldiers and keep them loyal. On January 17, 1961 Katangen forces assassinated Patrice Lumumba. These Katangen forces were supported by the Belgian government because of their longing for copper and diamonds. The Katangan forces were also supported by the United State's CIA because of the US desire to remove leftist followers. During this chaotic time, a temporary government of College des Commissaires technicians took over the rule of the Congo.

The Congo from 2000-2007

In May of 1997, Laurent-Desire Kabila led a rebellion over the Mobutu Sese Seko government. Kabila was assassinated in 2001, and his son, Joseph Kabila, took over his Father's position and was named head of state. Joseph Kabila tried to end the First Congo War and signed a peace agreement in South Africa in 2002. Peace slowly came in late 2003 as the Transitional Government came into ruling. On July 30, 2006 the Congo held their first multi-party election since their 1960 Independence. The election was between Joseph Kabila and Jean-Pierre Bemba. The election caused a two day fight that began on August 20, 2006. 16 people were killed before the UN was able to take control of the city. The second round of elections was held on October 29, 2006, which caused even more rioting, ballot-burning, and overall chaos. Bemba's militants began to riot when Kabila was winning 58% to 42%. Bemba ordered his supporters to stop fighting and vowed to take his seat as official opposition leader.