What were the kwilu and Simba rebellions?
The Simba rebellion of 1963–65, also known as the Orientale Revolt, was a rebellion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which took place within the wider context of the Congo Crisis and the Cold War. The rebellion was contemporaneous with the Kwilu Rebellion led by fellow Lumumbist Pierre Mulele in central Congo.
What were mercenaries doing in the Congo?
Mercenaries, led by “Mad Mike” Hoare and mostly whites from central and southern Africa, were formed into a unit known as 5 Commando ANC. The unit served as the spearhead of the ANC and were involved in unsanctioned killing, torture, looting and rapes in recaptured rebel areas.
Who did Congo mercenaries fight for?
| Mad Mike Hoare | |
|---|---|
| Mercenary career | |
| Nickname(s) | “Mad Mike” |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom Katanga Congo-Léopoldville South Africa |
| Battles | Congo Crisis Katanga secession Simba rebellion Operation Angela |
How much were Congo mercenaries paid?
$364 to $1,100 a month
Hoare, who recruited and trained 500 German, Italian, Greek, Belgian, Rhodesian and South African mercenaries, each paid $364 to $1,100 a month, to lead Congolese forces against the rebels.
What role did the US play in the Congo?
The CIA conducted a series of fast-paced covert action operations in the Republic of the Congo. Their operations were meant to stabilize the government and to minimize the communist influence within the country. The CIA also launched a massive PR campaign to denounce Lumumba and to promote Mobutu.
When was DRC colonized?
In 1870, explorer Henry Morton Stanley arrived in and explored what is now the DR Congo. Belgian colonization of DR Congo began in 1885 when King Leopold II founded and ruled the Congo Free State. However, de facto control of such a huge area took decades to achieve.
Does Executive Outcomes still exist?
It later became part of the South African-based holding company Strategic Resource Corporation. The company was reestablished in 2020….Executive Outcomes.
| Type | Private military security firm |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Eeben Barlow |
| Defunct | 1998 (reestablished in 2020) |
| Area served | Africa (Angola & Sierra Leone) |
How did the US support Mobutu?
On September 14, 1960, Mobutu replaced Lumumba, but kept then-president Joseph Kasavubu. The CIA supported him with money, warning of assassination plots, and recommendations for ministerial appointments and ultimately counseled Mobutu to reject reconciliation with Lumumba and arrest him and his associates instead.
Who established power in Congo?
Belgian colonization of DR Congo began in 1885 when King Leopold II founded and ruled the Congo Free State….History of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
| Early history | pre–1876 |
|---|---|
| International Association of the Congo | 1879–1885 |
| Congo Free State | 1885–1908 |
| Belgian Congo | 1908–1960 |
| Independence | post–1960 |