IMAGO International History, Archive, Cold War, Congo crisis 1960-1965

Sep 1, 2025

The following photos have been selected for you by the IMAGO picture desk on this topic. For more pictures please use the search function.

Demonstrations 2 February 1961 Grief in Ghana for the Deceased Patrice Lumumba in Accra found a Funeral parade for the Murdered former Prime Minister of Congo, Patrice Lumumba, instead of Women took at part, carried a Portrait Lumumbas and Posters, the against the Congolese Presidents Joseph Kasavubu and the UNO raged Our pictures Copyright: xUnitedxArchivesx xkpaxKeystonex 19610202_baf_k09_149
Africa Egypt 25 June 1960 Belgian Kongo announced its Independence and appointed Joseph Kasa vubu to Head of State he was previously President from Abaco at Picture a Portrait from Joseph Kasa vubu Copyright: xUnitedxArchivesx xkpaxKeystonex 19600625_baf_k09_001
Africa Egypt 1962 Kongo Kasavubu will distributed Copyright: xUnitedxArchivesx xkpaxKeystonex 19600112_baf_k09_2260
NORTHERN RHODESIA NDOLA 1961. Orig. caption... MR. HAMMARSKJOELD DIES IN AIR CRASH Mr. Dag Hammarskjoeld, the United Nations Secretary-General died in a plane crash near Ndola in Northern Rhodesia on Monday. The 56-year-old Secretary-General was to have met President Tshombe of Katanga at Ndola for peace talks which, it was hoped, would bring about a cease-fire. Thirteen of the 14 passengers and crew died when the aircraft crashed after a series of mid-air explosions. The sole survivor was a United Nations security guard. Photo shows: (Original just received in London). Officials searching for clues to the solution of the mystery among the wreckage of the aircraft and burnt trees. Note D Hammarskjöld, 1905-1961, civil servant, UN Secretar Copyright: xx AIRPLANE WRECK
USA NEW YORK 1960s Orig caption DEBATE ON CONGO Despite the demands that Dag Hammarskold resigns as General Secretary of the United Nations, submitted even Copyright: xx DAY HAMMER WASHED IN THE UN
Orig. caption... MR. HAMMERSHIELD DIES IN AIR CRASH. Mr. Dag Hammarskjoeld, United Nations Secretary-General died in a plane crash near Ndola in Northern Rhodesia on Monday. The 56-year-old Secretary-General was to have met President Tshomhe of Katanga at Ndola for peace talks which, it was hoped, would bring about a cease-fire. Thirteen of the fourteen passengers and crew died when the aircraft crashed after a series of mid-air explosions. The sole survivor was a United Nations security guard. Photo shows: (Original just received in London) Officers inspecting the strewn wreckage. Trees had been felled by the aircraft as it crashed. Note D. Hammarskjöld, 1905-1961, civil servant, UN Secretary-General from 1953. Died in a plane crash in Nd Copyright: xXxXxXx PLANE CRASH
Orig caption AT THE SWEDISH UN FORCE IN THE CONGO Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld inspected the Swedish force he was part of the honor guard that paraded on his arrival in Leopoldville Note D Hammarskjöld, 1905 1961, civil servant, UN Secretary General from 1953 Died in a plane crash in Ndola in Copyright: xx HAMMARSKJÖLD INSPECTS SWEDISH UN TROOPS IN THE CONGO
Orig caption DAG HAMMARSKJOELD IN LEOPOLDVILLE United Nations Secretary General Dag Hammarskjoeld U N troops from Ghana at his arrival yesterday in Leopoldville Walking Copyright: xx DAG HAMMARSKÖLD INSPECTS UN TROOPS IN THE CONGO
Orig. caption... PREMIER OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO ARRIVES IN NEW YORK Premier Patrice Lumumba (2nd from left), of the Republic of the Congo, photographed with an aide, Capt. Mawoso (2nd from r.), as he arrived at New York s International Airport (Idlewild) this morning. The Premier, who was accompanied on the trip by Mr. Kasongo, President of The House of Representatives, and Mr. Okito, Vice-President of the Senate, stated that the purpose of this trip is to establish direct contact with the U.N. Secretary-General in order to find a speedy solution to the problems facing the Republic of the Congo. Note Independent Republic 1960, formerly Belgian Congo P Lumumba - Congolese politician, 1925-1961. After independence in 1960, he was appoin Copyright: xXxXxXx LUMUMBA IN THE USA
LEOPOLDVILLE, CONGO 19600630 Belgiums King Baudouin and Congos President Joseph Kasavubu on their way to the ceremony in Parliament where Congos declaration of independence will take place LEOPOLDVILLE, CONGO x192x Copyright: xDNx Baudouin - Kasavubu
Ancestor : CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DES PARA-COMMANDOS - 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DES PARA-COMMANDOS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS -DÉFILÉ À BRUXELLES -LE COLONEL CHARLES LAURENT Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx
Ancestor : CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DES PARA-COMMANDOS - 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DES PARA-COMMANDOS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS -DÉFILÉ À BRUXELLES -LE COLONEL CHARLES LAURENT Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx
Ancestor : CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DES PARA-COMMANDOS - 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DES PARA-COMMANDOS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS -DÉFILÉ À BRUXELLES Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx
Ancestor : RETOUR DES RÉFUGIÉS DU CONGO 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DE RAPATRIÉS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx
Ancestor : RETOUR DES RÉFUGIÉS DU CONGO 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DE RAPATRIÉS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS - religieux -missionaires Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx
Ancestor : RETOUR DES RÉFUGIÉS DU CONGO 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DE RAPATRIÉS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS - religieux -missionaires Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx
Ancestor : RETOUR DES RÉFUGIÉS DU CONGO 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DE RAPATRIÉS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS - religieux -missionaires Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx
Photograph of Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba (1925-1961) arriving at the Palace of Culture. Dated 20th Century, Copyright: xUnitedxArchivesx xWorldxHistoryxArchivex WHA_087_0431 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!
Belgische Flüchtlinge Original-Bildunterschrift: Belgische Flüchtlinge aus Katanga sind am Flughafen Brüssel angekommen. DIe Tragödie geht weiter, Belgien 1960., Brüssel Copyright: Kindermann Nur redaktionelle Nutzung. Editorial usage only. KIN_7402000983 EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Stockholm 1961 09 17 The news that Swedish UN chief Dag Hammarskjöld has died in a plane crash in Africa causes people to stop in front of the newspaper kiosk with the fresh headlines Hammarskjöld is on his way to a mediation mission in Ndola in Northern Rhodesia, when his plane cra Copyright: xPRESSENSxBILDx DAG HAMMARSKJÖLD DÖD
BOENDE, CONGO NOV 14, 1964 White mercenary troops of the Congo Army fight on the edges of this small town, during their advance to Stanleyville This and other pictures were taken by a European serving with the Congo mercenary army BOENDE CONGO x450x Copyright: xUPIx
SCANPIX SWEDEN, 1961 09 19 Dag Hammarskjöld plane crash Rescue teams search for survivors in the wreckage NDOLA ZAMBIA FN x20360x Copyright: xTTx DAG HAMMARSKJÖLD OLYCKA
CONGO 19610216 European soldiers who fought on the side of the breakaway state of Katanga and its leader Moise Tshombe during the Congo crisis in 1960 63 CONGO x450x Copyright: xPRESSENSxBILD UPIx Kongokrisen
Patrice Lumumba (1925-1961) first Prime Minister of Congo in 1960, in New York for meetings with United Nations Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold to appeal for assistance for his newly independent nation. Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx HISL006 EC120
18 Hercules planes from the 464th Troop Carrier Wing 18 Hercules planes from the 464th Troop Carrier Wing flew in a unit of Belgian paratroopers to Stanleyville to free several hundred civilian hostages, including 2 Congolese and civilians from 18 foreign countries who were being kept under threat of death. November 24, 1964 Congo (Zaire) U.S. Air Force photo Copyright: xPhoto12 ArchivesxSnarkx DFS09A11_016
18 Hercules planes from the 464th Troop Carrier Wing 18 Hercules planes from the 464th Troop Carrier Wing flew in a unit of Belgian paratroopers to Stanleyville to free several hundred civilian hostages, including 2 Congolese and civilians from 18 foreign countries who were being kept under threat of death. November 24, 1964 Congo (Zaire) U.S. Air Force photo Copyright: xPhoto12 ArchivesxSnarkx DFS09A11_015
Lumumba arrives at the Stanleyville airport. (BELGA ARCHIVES) x8964783x
The Congolese government around General Mobutu. (BELGA ARCHIVES) x8963212x
- LEOPOLDVILLE, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 28 January 1961 is about the opening session of the Round Table. On the picture : Joseph Kasavubu making a speech. ARCHIVES x37765045x
- LUENA, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 17 February 1961 is about Katanga unrest. Katanga was a breakaway state. It proclaimed its independence on 11 July 1960. Katanga separated itself from the newly independent Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese National Army invaded Katanga in order to take the state back. On the picture : Katanga Army had recaptured the city of Luena. ARCHIVES x37696120x
- KOLWEZI, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 21 December 1961 is about Katanga unrest. Katanga was a breakaway state. It proclaimed its independence on 11 July 1960. Katanga separated itself from the newly independent Democratic Republic of Congo. United Nations intervened to end Katanga secession by force. On the picture : the Mining Union of the High Katanga (Union Miniere du Haut Katanga) bombed by the United Nations. ARCHIVES x37696043x
- KOLWEZI, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 21 December 1961 is about Katanga unrest. Katanga was a breakaway state. It proclaimed its independence on 11 July 1960. Katanga separated itself from the newly independent Democratic Republic of Congo. United Nations intervened to end Katanga secession by force. On the picture : the Mining Union of the High Katanga (Union Miniere du Haut Katanga) bombed by the United Nations. ARCHIVES x37695967x
- KOLWEZI, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 21 December 1961 is about Katanga unrest. Katanga was a breakaway state. It proclaimed its independence on 11 July 1960. Katanga had separated itself from the newly independent Democratic Republic of Congo. United Nations intervened to end Katanga secession by force. On the picture : the Mining Union of the High Katanga (Union Miniere du Haut Katanga) bombed by the United Nations. ARCHIVES x37695339x
- BUKAMA, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 17 February 1961 is about Katanga unrest. Katanga was a breakaway state. It proclaimed its independence on 11 July 1960. Katanga separated itself from the newly independent Democratic Republic of Congo. The Congolese National Army invaded Katanga in order to take the state back. On the picture : the Congolese National Army had plundered the Franciscan mission of Bukama. ARCHIVES x37695267x
- ZAVENTEM, BELGIUM (FILE) : This file picture dated 17 October 1960 is about Congo Crisis. Congo Crisis was a unrest period beginning after Congo Independence. On the picture : ambassador Robert Rothschild, headman of the technical assistance mission for Katanga, at Brussels. He had left Elizabethville. ARCHIVES x37695036x
- KOLWEZI, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 21 December 1961 is about Katanga unrest. Katanga was a breakaway state. It proclaimed its independence on 11 July 1960. Katanga separated itself from the newly independent Democratic Republic of Congo. United Nations wanted to end the Katanga secession by force. On the picture : the Mining Union of the High Katanga (Union Miniere du Haut Katanga) bombed by the United Nations. ARCHIVES x37693572x
- KOLWEZI, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 21 December 1961 is about Katanga unrest. Katanga was a breakaway state. It proclaimed its independence on 11 July 1960. Katanga separated itself from the newly independent Democratic Republic of Congo. United Nations intervened to end Katanga secession by force. On the picture : the Mining Union of the High Katanga (Union Miniere du Haut Katanga) bombed by the United Nations. ARCHIVES x37693451x
- KOLWEZI, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 21 December 1961 is about Katanga unrest. Katanga was a breakaway state. It proclaimed its independence on 11 July 1960. Katanga separated itself from the newly independent Democratic Republic of Congo. United Nations intervened to end Katanga secession by force. On the picture : the Mining Union of the High Katanga (Union Miniere du Haut Katanga) bombed by the United Nations. ARCHIVES x37691893x
- CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 2 November 1960 is about the Congo Crisis. The Congo Crisis is an unrest period after Congo Independence. On the picture : soldier from the United Nations Ethiopian troops with Baluba (ethnic group). They re wearing a white headband, recognition sign of the Baluba. This picture appeared into a white book made by the Kantaga Government to denounce the passivity of United Nation troops at Katanga. ARCHIVES x37606913x
- STANLEYVILLE, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 05 November 1959 is about events before Congo Independence. End of october and beginning of November there was a MNC (Mouvement National Congolais) congress at Stanleyville. There were riots following the congress. The Force publique had to intervene. On the picture : soldiers checking papers outside the municipality of Mangobo. ARCHIVES x37606146x
- BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (FILE) : This file picture dated 04 August 1960 is about the Congo crisis. The Congo crisis is an unrest period after Congo Independence. On the picture : Katangese representatives at Brussels, following Katanga statement of Independence. There were Mr kitenge , Mr Kimba (public Works Minister), Mr Nyembo (National Defence secretary) and Lieutenant Mwamba. ARCHIVES x34618121x
- ZAVENTEM, BELGIUM(FILE) : This file picture dated 30 July 1960 is about the Congo Crisis. The Congo Crisis is an unrest period after Congo Independence. During the crisis, the Congolese province of Katanga in the southeast declared independence as State of Katanga (under the presidency of Moise Tshombe). They defended their cause to the United Nations. On the picture : Mr Masangu, Mr Kibwe and Mr Yav. ARCHIVES x34617185x
- ELISABETHVILLE, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 16 August 1960 is about Congo Crisis. Congo Crisis is an unrest period after Congo Independence. The picture presents Captain Albert Moke, officer of President Moïse Tschombe (President of Katanga). Captain Albert Moke is waiting at Elisabethville airport for Mr Dag Hammarskjöld (Secretary-General of United Nations). ARCHIVES x34616906x
- LEOPOLDVILLE, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 29 Augustus 1960 is about the Congo Crisis. The Congo Crisis is an unrest period after Congo Independence. On the picture : the opposition party made a demonstration against Patrice Lumumba, the Prime Minister at Culture Palace of Leopoldville. ARCHIVES x34616505x
- KATANGA, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 14 October 1985 is about the unrest period following Katanga Independence proclamation. On the picture : a Katangese officer order his men to go patrolling in areas full of Baluba rebels. ARCHIVES x34584485x
- BUKAMA, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 22 February 1961 is about Katanga unrest. After Katanga independence and secession Baluba rebels attacked tribes supporting Moïse Tshombe. On the picture : the devastated Franciscan mission of Bukama. ARCHIVES x34583580x
- CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 21 February 1961 is about Katanga unrest. On the picture : Katanga army armoured vehicle in search of Baluba rebels. ARCHIVES x34583096x
- KATANGA, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 14 October 1985 is about the unrest period following Katanga Independence proclamation. On the picture : a motorized Katangese gendarmerie patrol crossing a Baluba village seemingly abandonned. ARCHIVES x34582612x
- MATADI, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 25 February 1961 shows the sacrement of Matadi bishop, Mr Nzita. At the left of the picture : Mr Kasavubu, Congo President, witnessing the ceremony. ARCHIVES x34576937x
- LEOPOLDVILLE, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 29 June 1960 is about Congo independence. On the picture : King Baudouin of Belgium, Congolese President Kasa-Vubu and Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba at Leopoldville in 1960. ARCHIVES x34533998x

Images in this collection

Africa Egypt 25 June 1960 Belgian Kongo announced its Independence and appointed Joseph Kasa vubu to Head of State he was previously President from Abaco at Picture a Portrait from Joseph Kasa vubu Copyright: xUnitedxArchivesx xkpaxKeystonex 19600625_baf_k09_001

Africa Egypt 1962 Kongo Kasavubu will distributed Copyright: xUnitedxArchivesx xkpaxKeystonex 19600112_baf_k09_2260

USA NEW YORK 1960s Orig caption DEBATE ON CONGO Despite the demands that Dag Hammarskold resigns as General Secretary of the United Nations, submitted even Copyright: xx DAY HAMMER WASHED IN THE UN

Orig caption DAG HAMMARSKJOELD IN LEOPOLDVILLE United Nations Secretary General Dag Hammarskjoeld U N troops from Ghana at his arrival yesterday in Leopoldville Walking Copyright: xx DAG HAMMARSKÖLD INSPECTS UN TROOPS IN THE CONGO

LEOPOLDVILLE, CONGO 19600630 Belgiums King Baudouin and Congos President Joseph Kasavubu on their way to the ceremony in Parliament where Congos declaration of independence will take place LEOPOLDVILLE, CONGO x192x Copyright: xDNx Baudouin - Kasavubu

Ancestor : CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DES PARA-COMMANDOS - 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DES PARA-COMMANDOS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS -DÉFILÉ À BRUXELLES -LE COLONEL CHARLES LAURENT Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx

Ancestor : CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DES PARA-COMMANDOS - 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DES PARA-COMMANDOS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS -DÉFILÉ À BRUXELLES -LE COLONEL CHARLES LAURENT Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx

Ancestor : CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DES PARA-COMMANDOS - 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DES PARA-COMMANDOS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS -DÉFILÉ À BRUXELLES Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx

Ancestor : RETOUR DES RÉFUGIÉS DU CONGO 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DE RAPATRIÉS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx

Ancestor : RETOUR DES RÉFUGIÉS DU CONGO 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DE RAPATRIÉS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS - religieux -missionaires Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx

Ancestor : RETOUR DES RÉFUGIÉS DU CONGO 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DE RAPATRIÉS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS - religieux -missionaires Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx

Ancestor : RETOUR DES RÉFUGIÉS DU CONGO 1964- CRISE CONGOLAISE RETOUR DE RAPATRIÉS -RETOUR DE STANLEYVILLE ET PAULIS - religieux -missionaires Brussels Belgium Copyright: xx

Photograph of Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba (1925-1961) arriving at the Palace of Culture. Dated 20th Century, Copyright: xUnitedxArchivesx xWorldxHistoryxArchivex WHA_087_0431 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

Belgische Flüchtlinge Original-Bildunterschrift: Belgische Flüchtlinge aus Katanga sind am Flughafen Brüssel angekommen. DIe Tragödie geht weiter, Belgien 1960., Brüssel Copyright: Kindermann Nur redaktionelle Nutzung. Editorial usage only. KIN_7402000983 EDITORIAL USE ONLY

BOENDE, CONGO NOV 14, 1964 White mercenary troops of the Congo Army fight on the edges of this small town, during their advance to Stanleyville This and other pictures were taken by a European serving with the Congo mercenary army BOENDE CONGO x450x Copyright: xUPIx

SCANPIX SWEDEN, 1961 09 19 Dag Hammarskjöld plane crash Rescue teams search for survivors in the wreckage NDOLA ZAMBIA FN x20360x Copyright: xTTx DAG HAMMARSKJÖLD OLYCKA

CONGO 19610216 European soldiers who fought on the side of the breakaway state of Katanga and its leader Moise Tshombe during the Congo crisis in 1960 63 CONGO x450x Copyright: xPRESSENSxBILD UPIx Kongokrisen

Lumumba arrives at the Stanleyville airport. (BELGA ARCHIVES) x8964783x

The Congolese government around General Mobutu. (BELGA ARCHIVES) x8963212x

- LEOPOLDVILLE, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 28 January 1961 is about the opening session of the Round Table. On the picture : Joseph Kasavubu making a speech. ARCHIVES x37765045x

- KATANGA, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 14 October 1985 is about the unrest period following Katanga Independence proclamation. On the picture : a Katangese officer order his men to go patrolling in areas full of Baluba rebels. ARCHIVES x34584485x

- BUKAMA, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 22 February 1961 is about Katanga unrest. After Katanga independence and secession Baluba rebels attacked tribes supporting Moïse Tshombe. On the picture : the devastated Franciscan mission of Bukama. ARCHIVES x34583580x

- CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 21 February 1961 is about Katanga unrest. On the picture : Katanga army armoured vehicle in search of Baluba rebels. ARCHIVES x34583096x

- KATANGA, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 14 October 1985 is about the unrest period following Katanga Independence proclamation. On the picture : a motorized Katangese gendarmerie patrol crossing a Baluba village seemingly abandonned. ARCHIVES x34582612x

- MATADI, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 25 February 1961 shows the sacrement of Matadi bishop, Mr Nzita. At the left of the picture : Mr Kasavubu, Congo President, witnessing the ceremony. ARCHIVES x34576937x

- LEOPOLDVILLE, CONGO (FILE) : This file picture dated 29 June 1960 is about Congo independence. On the picture : King Baudouin of Belgium, Congolese President Kasa-Vubu and Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba at Leopoldville in 1960. ARCHIVES x34533998x