Patrice Lumumba: Martyr of African Nationalism and the Shadow of Western Intervention

In the early days of independence, the newly formed Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) stood as a beacon of hope for a continent emerging from the yoke of colonialism. At its helm was Patrice Lumumba, a charismatic leader whose vision for a united, self-determined Congo was tragically cut short. His life and untimely death illustrate not only the internal challenges of a post-colonial state but also the profound—and often devastating—influence of foreign powers in Africa’s struggle for true independence.