Timeline Thursday 30 June 1960

Events on Thursday 30 June 1960 2

• 1960 Congo gains independence from Belgium Patrice Lumumba becomes first prime minister The Belgian Congo becomes independent as the Republic of the Congo, ending decades of colonial rule marked by exploitation and violence. Patrice Lumumba takes office as prime minister, but crisis erupts within days.
• 1960 Congo independence End of empire The Belgian Congo becomes independent amid turmoil, abruptly ending Belgium's African empire.