Now in paperback. Exposes the role of the Belgian government, the US government and its CIA, the UN, Mobutu and others in the assasination of independent Congo's first leader. B/w illus, map, notes, bib, index, xxvi, 224pp, UK. VERSO, 1859844103

This is an important book. It explores at length and in detail the background to the assassination of Patrice Lumumba. It tells of conflict between western, especially Belgian interest in the Congo in 1960 and their fright in face of an emerging nationalist current under Lumumba. It hints that Lumumba, who in 1956 was a 'humble' African steeped in colonial rhetoric, an evolue, might have evolved into something nearer to Havana than to Miami in his politics. It reproduces official letters on Belgian ministerial notepaper calling for his 'elimination definitive', and places them in the context of ministerial activities. An essential text for any library concerned with [Central] Africa and neo-colonialism. In French, 415pp, bib, chronology, map, notes, FRANCE. KARTHALA.

This biography is based on original research and takes the reader up to the time of Lumumba's imprisonment in 1956. TEXT IN FRENCH. BNS, 270pp, BELGIUM. ROYAL MUSEUM FOR CENTRAL AFRICA. 2738473261

Using original sources and the testimonies of people who knew Lumumba the authors focus on the period of his life between his first imprisonment at Stanleyville in 1956 and the independence of the Belgian Congo in 1960. It was during this time that Lumumba, as a political actor, became known, influential and a target for numerous groups in Europe and the Congo. The companion volume to Patrice Lumumba: Jeunesse et Apprentissage Politique, 1925-1956. TEXT IN FRENCH. BNS, 417pp, BELGIUM. ROYAL MUSEUM FOR CENTRAL AFRICA.

An insider's account of Congolese history from independence until the murder of Patrice Lumumba and the rise of Mobutu. The expanded version contains three new chapters and looks in detail at the conspiracy surrounding the death of Lumumba. Limited Stock. Index, b/w photographs, app, 386pp, UK. REX COLLINGS, 0860360687