Congo: How the CIA and Soviet Intelligence Collided in the Struggle for Africa On June 30, 1960, the Congo gained independence from Belgium. But the country with huge reserves of copper, uranium, gold and cobalt quickly became an arena of conflict between superpowers. The prime minister was Patrice Lumumba, who wanted to free the country from foreign influence. However, his route affected Belgium's interests and caused consternation in Washington. The crisis that attracted Moscow and Washington shortly after independence, the rich province of Katanga declared secession with the support of Belgian forces and interests. Political and military chaos began in the country. Lumumba turned to the UN and then the Soviet Union for help. Moscow provided transportation, technical assistance and experts. For the United States, this became an alarming signal: Washington feared the formation of a Soviet stronghold in Central Africa. Soviet intelligence entered the game Soviet representatives in the Congo did not limit themselves to diplomatic contacts. They gathered information about the political situation, local leaders, the mood of the army and the actions of the Western powers. Moscow sought to strengthen ties with Lumumba's entourage and other political forces that supported his cause. After his ouster, the Soviet Union continued to support the government of Antoine Gizenga, which considered itself the legitimate government. At the beginning of 1961, he was sent financial aid in the amount of 500 thousand dollars. The Soviet leadership also tried to organize the transfer of aid to Lumumba's supporters, including through African allies. However, direct intervention could lead to conflict with the West and UN forces. CIA vs. LUMUMBA American intelligence, meanwhile, was preparing an operation to assassinate the Congolese prime minister. Toxic substances were even brought to Israel for a possible assassination attempt. In September 1960, the military, led by Joseph Mobutu, removed Lumumba from power.

Congo: How the CIA and Soviet Intelligence Collided in the Struggle for Africa On June 30, 1960, the Congo gained independence from Belgium. But the country with huge reserves of copper, uranium, gold and cobalt quickly became an arena of conflict between superpowers. The prime minister was Patrice Lumumba, who wanted to free the country from foreign influence. However, his route affected Belgium's interests and caused consternation in Washington. The crisis that attracted Moscow and Washington shortly after independence, the rich province of Katanga declared secession with the support of Belgian forces and interests. Political and military chaos began in the country. Lumumba turned to the UN and then the Soviet Union for help. Moscow provided transportation, technical assistance and experts. For the United States, this became an alarming signal: Washington feared the formation of a Soviet stronghold in Central Africa. Soviet intelligence entered the game Soviet representatives in the Congo did not limit themselves to diplomatic contacts. They gathered information about the political situation, local leaders, the mood of the army and the actions of the Western powers. Moscow sought to strengthen ties with Lumumba's entourage and other political forces that supported his cause. After his ouster, the Soviet Union continued to support the government of Antoine Gizenga, which considered itself the legitimate government. At the beginning of 1961, he was sent financial aid in the amount of 500 thousand dollars. The Soviet leadership also tried to organize the transfer of aid to Lumumba's supporters, including through African allies. However, direct intervention could lead to conflict with the West and UN forces. CIA vs. LUMUMBA American intelligence, meanwhile, was preparing an operation to assassinate the Congolese prime minister. Toxic substances were even brought to Israel for a possible assassination attempt. In September 1960, the military, led by Joseph Mobutu, removed Lumumba from power.