Patrice Émery Lumumba born Isaïe Tasumbu Tawosa;[4] 2 July 1925 – 17 January 1961) was a Congolese politician and independence leader who served as the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then known as the Republic of the Congo) from June until September 1960, following the May 1960 election. He was the leader of the Congolese National Movement (MNC) from 1958 until his assassination in 1961. Ideologically an African nationalist and pan-Africanist, he played a significant role in the transformation of the Congo from a colony of Belgium into an independent republic.

Patrice Lumumba:

1st Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
In office
24 June 1960 – 5 September 1960[a]
President
Joseph Kasa-Vubu
Deputy
Antoine Gizenga
Preceded by
Office established
Succeeded by
Joseph Iléo
1st Minister of National Defense
In office
24 June 1960 – 5 September 1960
Prime Minister
Himself
Preceded by
Office established
Succeeded by
Ferdinand Kazadi[b]
Personal details
Born
Isaïe Tasumbu Tawosa
2 July 1925
Katakokombe, Congo-Kasaï, Belgian Congo[c]
Died
17 January 1961 (aged 35)
near Élisabethville, State of Katanga[d]
Manner of death
Assassination by firing squad
Political party
MNC
Spouse
Pauline Opango ​(m. 1951)​
Children
François Lumumba
Guy-Patrice Lumumba
Roland-Gilbert Lumumba
Juliana Lumumba
Marie-Christine Lumumba