Democratic Republic of the Congo - Colonialism, Civil War, Conflict: The country that began as a king’s private domain (the Congo Free State), evolved into a colony (the Belgian Congo), became independent in 1960 (as the Republic of the Congo), and later underwent several name changes (to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, then to Zaire, and back again to the Democratic Republic of the Decades of perseverance culminated in a historic moment on June 30, 1960, when Belgium relinquished its grip on the nation, heralding a new dawn of independence for Congo. Situated in the heart of Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a land of remarkable diversity, both culturally and geographically. A chronology of key events in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo, from the 1200s to the present In 1960, the independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo was recognised, following mass demonstrations in 1959, during which, in the country’s capital Kinshasa (at the time still called Leopoldville – the city of Leopold), the army attacked the demonstrators, killing hundreds. In the months leading up to independence, the Congolese elected a president, Joseph Kasavubu, prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, a senate and assembly, and similar bodies in the Congo’s numerous provinces. The Eisenhower administration had high hopes that the Republic of the Congo would form a stable, pro-Western, central government. Those hopes vanished in a matter of days as the newly Observed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Independence Day is a holiday celebrated annually on June 30th. It commemorates the day when the DR Congo gained independence from Belgium in June 1960. It is a national holiday widely observed across the country and features a variety of parades, including military parades. The Independence Day of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is celebrated annually on June 30th, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history the day in 1960 when it shed its colonial chains and stepped into a new era as an independent nation. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as they celebrate their 65th Independence Day. The United States values its enduring diplomatic ties with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since 1960 our two countries have shared a common belief that a secure, democratic, and prosperous African continent is good for the world. Democratic Republic of Congo Independence Day Independence Day is a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), observed on June 30th each year. This day is the National Day of DR Congo and marks independence from Belgium in June 1960. History of Independence Day As the various European powers vied for control of the African continent in the late 19th century, the Congo The colonization of what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo began in the late-19th century, with Belgium and its leaders exploiting its lands. The nation gained independence from the The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) marks its National Day on June 30, commemorating its 1960 independence from Belgian colonial rule. This annual celebration unites Congolese people worldwide to honor their history and culture. Independence Day 2025, 2026 and 2027 in Democratic Republic of the Congo Each year on 30 June, the Democratic Republic of Congo celebrates its independence from Belgium which took place in 1960. The Democratic Republic of the Congo[b] (DRC), also known as the DR Congo, Congo-Kinshasa, or simply the Congo, [c] is a country in Central Africa. By land area, it is the second-largest country in Africa and the 11th-largest in the world. On June 30, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) celebrated its 64th Independence Day with a speech from President Félix Tshisekedi, who addressed the nation's pressing security and economic challenges. The Democratic Republic of the Congo Independence Day is a national holiday, which is celebrated to commemorate the country’s liberation from Belgium in 1960. The day marks the country’s historic independence from the Belgian colonial powers which happened on June 30, 1960. Belgian interference with Congo began in 1885 when King Leopold II established his own ‘Congo Free State’ and started to rule. ^ "Holidays and observances in Congo Democratic Republic in 2020". www.timeanddate.com. Retrieved August 23, 2020. ^ "Martyrs' Day 2021, 2022 and 2023 in Democratic Republic of the Congo". The journey of the Democratic Republic of Congo towards independence was fraught with challenges and turmoil. The legacy of the Berlin Conference and the brutal exploitation under King Leopold II had a devastating effect on the nation. Independence Day is a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), observed on June 30th each year. This day is the National Day of DR Congo and marks independence from Belgium in June 1960.
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