Talks restored a central government in 1961, but deals with Katanga failed until force was used. After the UN left, rebellion and outside intervention ended in Mobutu's dictatorship.
In August 1961, under UN protection, the Congolese parliament met at Lovanium University. It approved a new government under Cyrille Adoula, which brought Lumumba's followers back in. This was the most successful peace process of the crisis.
Deals with Katanga failed. In December 1961 Tshombe accepted the Congo's unity at Kitona but did not keep his word. U Thant's plan for national reconciliation in 1962 also stalled.
In 1964, after ONUC left, Lumumbist "Simba" rebels seized much of the east. In a surprising turn, Tshombe became prime minister and used foreign mercenaries against them.
In November 1964 Belgian paratroopers, flown in American aircraft, rescued hostages held by the rebels in Stanleyville. The new Organisation of African Unity (OAU) set up a commission to mediate, but it achieved little.
In November 1965 Mobutu seized power again. He ruled as a dictator until 1997. Unity was restored, but democracy was not.
- Lovanium
- August 1961: Adoula government.
- Simba rebellion
- 1964, in the east.
- Stanleyville rescue
- November 1964.
- Mobutu
- Seizes power in November 1965.
Worked example: Judging the peace processes
Why did some peace efforts work and others fail?
- Lovanium worked: Congolese leaders took part and the UN protected them.
- Kitona and the U Thant plan failed: Tshombe had money and mercenaries.
- The OAU failed: it was new, divided and weak.
- Outcome: unity through force and dictatorship.
Watch out for this
The crisis ended when ONUC left in 1964.
Fighting continued after 1964 with the Simba rebellion, foreign intervention and mercenaries, until Mobutu took power in 1965.
Check your understanding
What was achieved at Lovanium in August 1961?
- A new central government under Adoula that included Lumumba's followers
- The end of Katanga's secession
- A peace treaty with Belgium