Patrice Lumumba

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.