Figure 1.-- In the chaos of the Congo, Westerners were often see as spies, even desperately needed medical personnel involved in humanitarian missions. The press caption here read, "Charged with Spying: Dr. Paul Carson, American holding unidentified boy's hand at left, has been charged with being a spy. A rebel broadcast from Stanleyville said he was to be executed today. With him in th cillage of Dibangi in the Congo, where they gave polioo shots this summer, were Dr, Robert Etherington, center, and Dr. Philip Littleford, right. The photograph was dated November 16, 1964.

The United Nations withdrew its peacekeeping force after the Katangan crisis was resolved (1963). Ending the Katangan secession crisis, however, did not restore order in the Congo. Political instability and economic collapse continued. And the surrender in Katanga did not prove to be the end of Tshombe's political carrer. The unrest was now particularly severe in the east rather than the south. He appointed him prime minister. Kasavubu was faced with a spreading rebellion. The new crisis was primarily the Simba Rebellion which erupted in the eastern privinces (1964). Half the country was overrun by rebel forces. Westerners were viewed with susxpicion. Not only was the economy disrupted, but international efforts to control infectups diseases like polio were compromised. President Kasavubu, unable to control unrest in the eastern Congo, turns to Tshombe. Tshombe turned to foreign mercenaries and with additional help from Belgian paratroops airlifted by U.S. Air Force planes defeated the most serious opposition, a Communist-backed Simba rebellion (1965). New National Assembly elections are held (April 1965). The results are disputed, but Tshombe's party may have won a majority. This was not what President Kasavubu had wanted. He dismisses his new prime minister. Tshombe does not resist, he returns to exile in Spain. The Congo in left in continuing political and economic chaos.

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Created: 2:58 AM 10/12/2014
Last updated: 2:58 AM 10/12/2014