Patrice Lumumba

World Leader

Birthday July 2, 1925

Birth Sign Cancer

Birthplace Katakokombe, DR Congo

DEATH DATE Jan 17, 1961 (35)

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About

After founding the Mouvement National Congolais political party, this fighter for Congolese independence from Belgian rule became the Republic of the Congo's first Prime Minister to be elected through a democratic process. He was killed months later, after a military coup seized power.

Before Fame

During the mid-1950s, he became a member of the Liberal Party of Belgium. Several years later, he was a founder of the Mouvement National Congolais.

Trivia

At one point believed by the United States government to have communist ties, he was the object of a failed CIA assassination plot.

Family Life

His marriage to Pauline Opangu Lumumba resulted in five children, including a son, Guy-Patrice Lumumba, who pursued a political career.

Associated With

He was imprisoned and executed under the corrupt regime of President Mobutu Sese Seko.