f Ileo's proposal as well. These associations began the began to demand independence from Belgium, insisting first upon the rights of free association, of free speech and of freedom of the press; this jumpstarted the movement for independence. An additional boost to the independence movement came in December 1958, when Patricia Lumumba (who headed the multiethnic National Congolese Movement) attended the All-African Peoples' Conference. The speeches held at the conference were a major spark to the fire of interest in the Movement for Congo's freedom from Belgium. (Lerner, 35) In 1959 riots broke out in the capital as a result of the rally held by Patrice Lumumba in Leopoldville. Shortly after this chain of events on June 30th 1960, the Belgian Congo gained independence and was renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo with Joseph Kasavubu as its first President and Patrice Lumumba as its first Prime Minister. (Versaware, 6)The first year of independence is where another great struggle for those of the DROC began, initially, with violent disorders stemming from tribal disputes, the disappointment of the parties excluded from the government, and a revolt of the Congolese army. (Versaware, 9) Less than a week after independence, Congolese soldiers mutilated, terrorizing Belgian residence. The soldiers demanded higher pay and better opportunities for promotion. To safeguard its people's economic interest, Belgium evacuated Europeans and sent in paratroopers. Fearful of Belgian occupation, Prime Minister Lumumba asked for peacekeeping troops and administrative assistance from the United Nation (UN), an international organization that the country had joined in 1960. (Abi-Saab, 7) At the time of the drama between the Belgians and the DROC, another conflict was underway in Katanga. On the date of July 11, 1960 president Moise-Kapenda Tshombe, withdrew the region from the DROC. Proceeding Tshombe's decision West Kasai also withdrew, ins...
