Polity Free Republic of the Congo

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Was a short-lived rival government to the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Léopoldville) based in the eastern Congo led by Antoine Gizenga.

Establishment

  • December 1960: Members of the MNC-L fled to Stanleyville where, led by Antoine Gizenga, they formed a rebel government in November 1960 in opposition to the central government in Léopoldville.
  • December 1960: Stanleyville troops occupied Bukavu.

Chronology

Interactive Chronologies with maps are available in the section Changes Navigation

1. Congo Conflicts

Is a series of wars in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that started shortly after its independence from Belgium in 1960. The conflicts, that continue to this day, mainly consist of revolts against the central government caused by local ethnic secessionist movements.

1.1. Congo Crisis

Were a series of revolts against the central government of the newly established Republic of the Congo (modern-day Democratic Republic of the Congo). The war ended with Mobutu Sese Soko reuniting the country and establishing an authoritarian regime.

1.1.1. Secessionistic States (Congo Crisis)

At the beginning of the Congo crisis several territories declared their independence from the central government.

  • December 1960: Members of the MNC-L fled to Stanleyville where, led by Antoine Gizenga, they formed a rebel government in November 1960 in opposition to the central government in Léopoldville.
  • December 1960: Stanleyville troops occupied Bukavu.
  • January 1961: Stanleyville forces had occupied northern Katanga as far in as Manono.
  • February 1961: The rival government, led by Moise Tshombe and supported by Belgium, reached its greatest territorial extent on 24 February 1961 when some of its forces briefly earned the allegiance of the Luluabourg garrison in the ongoing Congo Crisis.
  • January 1962: The rival government was not fully reintegrated into the Republic of the Congo until Gizenga was arrested in January 1962.

Disestablishment

  • January 1962: The rival government was not fully reintegrated into the Republic of the Congo until Gizenga was arrested in January 1962.