Democratic Republic of Congo Independence Day

Democratic Republic of Congo Independence Day

June 30The Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) gained independence from Belgium on this day in 1960. It had been a Belgian colony since 1907, and powerful movements had struggled for self-rule since the 1950s. The people celebrated the first independence day with fireworks and bonfires in the capital city of LÉopoldville (now Kinshasa).
CONTACTS:
Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo
1800 New Hampshire Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
202-234-7690; fax: 202-234-2609
kinshasa.usembassy.gov
SOURCES:
NatlHolWrld-1968, p. 92