July 5, 1960 · Léopoldville and across the Congo Theater
July 5, 1960
Just five days after independence, the soldiers of the Force Publique — still commanded entirely by Belgian officers who told them independence would change nothing for them — mutinied against their white officers. The revolt spread across the country in days, collapsing order, driving out terrified Belgian settlers, and prompting Belgium to send in troops, ostensibly to protect its nationals.
Commanders