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Antoine GizengaCongolese politician
Date of Birth: 05.10.1925
Country:  Congo |
Content:
- Antoine Gizenga: A Lifetime in Congo's Political Landscape
- Alliance with Patrice Lumumba
- Imprisonment and Exile
- Return to Politics
- Appointment as Prime Minister
Antoine Gizenga: A Lifetime in Congo's Political Landscape
Early Career and Rise to PowerAntoine Gizenga, a Congolese politician, first entered the political arena as Deputy Prime Minister in 1960. He quickly ascended to the position of Prime Minister from December 1960 to August 1961 and simultaneously served as Head of State of the Republic of Congo in Stanleyville (now Kisangani) from March to August 1961.
Alliance with Patrice Lumumba
Gizenga was a close associate of Patrice Lumumba, the Congo's first Prime Minister. He served as Vice Prime Minister in Lumumba's government. After Lumumba's assassination in 1961, Gizenga led the Stanleyville-based Congo government, which received recognition from 21 African, Asian, and Eastern European nations.
Imprisonment and Exile
From 1962 to 1964 and from 1964 to 1965, Gizenga faced imprisonment. Following his release, he lived in exile from 1965 to 1992.
Return to Politics
Upon his return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the 1990s, Gizenga re-entered politics. He ran for President in 2006 as the candidate of the Unified Lumumbist Party (PALU), securing third place with 13.06% of the votes.
Appointment as Prime Minister
After the announcement of the election results, Gizenga pledged his support to Joseph Kabila in the second round in exchange for the appointment of a PALU representative to the post of Prime Minister. On December 30, 2006, President Kabila appointed Gizenga as Prime Minister, marking his return to the second highest position in the state after 45 years.
