In our current world, we often place freedom and independence on a very high pedestal. Many of us assume that with these principles, our lives will be great and free from adversity. Unfortunately, not all nations have had the same positive experience with their independence as countries like the United States . The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one such country where independence did not turn out as expected. As a result, we see a politically corrupt and violence-filled Congo today. To understand the current state of independence of the DRC, it is essential to examine the circumstances that preceded independence, the events that followed, and the connections between them.

The Berlin Conference, known for the Scramble for Africa, was a pivotal moment in history. During this period, most Western European nations had colonies across the globe in places like the Americas and Asia but had little foothold in Africa, aside from a few coastal forts used for the transatlantic slave trade. In the mid to late 19th century, European nations began investing heavily in exploring Africa to expand their political reach and extract resources for economic growth. However, there were fears that conflicts might arise over African territories. To prevent potential wars, the seven largest European powers convened at the Berlin Conference to decide how to divide and conquer Africa.

The map drawn at the Berlin Conference ignored existing cultural and ethnic boundaries, leading to colonial territories with diverse ethnic groups. This disregard set the stage for future ethnic violence once these nations gained independence.

At the time, Belgium was a small nation with no colonial presence elsewhere in the world. However, through the Berlin Conference, it was decided that King Leopold II of Belgium would gain control over the territory now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo, then called the Congo Free State. Under Leopold’s rule, rubber was hyper-produced, and harsh, torturous punishments were inflicted on the Congolese who failed to meet rubber quotas. The Force Publique, a private military force composed of black soldiers and white officers, enforced these brutal measures. Any form of political expression by the Congolese was ruthlessly suppressed.

In 1908, the Belgian government took over the administration of the Congo after reports of humanitarian abuses under King Leopold, pressured by missionaries and foreign entities such as the UK. Despite this change, the exploitation and abuse of the Congolese people continued, driven by the relentless pursuit of resource extraction. This ongoing marginalization fueled discontent and resistance, setting the stage for the struggle for independence.

In the late 1950s, Congolese people en masse began to realize their strong desire to exercise their political rights, spurred by local government reforms that offered a glimpse of self-governance. This newfound eagerness led to widespread riots and demonstrations organized by Congolese political groups. These groups demanded the political freedom that had been denied to them for nearly 80 years under Belgian rule. Determined to end long-standing colonial oppression and achieve independence, the persistent efforts and growing unrest of the Congolese played a significant role in pushing the country towards independence.

In response to the resistance and increasing pressure from foreign powers to relinquish their colonial influence, the DRC won its independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960. Patrice Lumumba was elected as Prime Minister. Under Lumumba’s leadership, a treaty of friendship was established between the Congo and Belgium, allowing certain Belgian officers
to remain in their positions until proper replacements could be found. This decision was unpopular within the Congolese government and contributed to political instability. Following independence, the Congo experienced significant violence and turmoil. Mutinies were orchestrated by the Force Publique, and there were foreign military interventions from the United Nations and Belgium. Cold War dynamics further fueled conflicts. This period of chaos ultimately led to Lumumba’s assassination in 1961. The ensuing decades were marked by continued violence and instability, setting the stage for the ongoing struggles the country faces today.

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. Even after gaining independence, the Congo faced significant violence, political instability, and foreign intervention. Patrice Lumumba’s brief leadership and sudden assassination underscored the struggles of a nation trying to find its footing amid internal and external pressures. Today, the DRC continues to grapple with the consequences of its tumultuous history. Understanding this history is crucial to comprehending the current state of the country and the ongoing efforts towards achieving lasting peace and stability.