Patrice Lumumba was a prominent Congolese politician and independence leader who became the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo after it gained independence from Belgium in 1960. He was known for his passionate speeches advocating for national unity and social justice, aiming to improve the lives of the Congolese people. Lumumba's tenure was short-lived, as he faced political opposition and was ousted from power later that year. He was arrested and assassinated in January 1961, an event that sparked international outrage and highlighted the complexities of Cold War politics in Africa.