Patrice Lumumba was the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (1960). His government was toppled and Lumumba was arrested and executed in January 1961 by whom?

• A. Mobutu Sese Seko
• B. Joseph Kasa-Vubu
• C. United Nations forces
• D. Belgian troops in Katanga

Answer: (D)

The event hinges on who orchestrated Lumumba’s arrest, transfer, and execution during the Congo Crisis, showing how foreign influence and regional power plays shaped post-colonial politics. After Lumumba’s government was toppled, he was captured by forces loyal to the secessionist region of Katanga, which had Belgian backing. He was handed over to Katangan authorities and, in January 1961, executed there with Belgian military involvement. This shows how Belgian interests and Katanga’s bid for independence worked together to remove Lumumba, rather than the UN or Mobutu directly carrying out the act.