The Congo Crisis was a period of political turmoil and conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then known as the Belgian Congo) that began in 1960 and lasted until 1965. It followed the country's independence from Belgium and was marked by power struggles, regional secession, and foreign intervention. Key figures included Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, who was assassinated in 1961, and Joseph Mobutu, who later seized power. The crisis involved various factions, including the secession of the mineral-rich Katanga province, led by Moïse Tshombe. The United Nations intervened to stabilize the situation, but the conflict resulted in significant loss of life and ongoing instability. The Congo Crisis highlighted the challenges of post-colonial governance and the impact of Cold War politics in Africa.