By Noah Fishman

On 11 January of 1961, the government in Leopoldville announced Joseph Mobutu’s promotion to general of its armed forces. Following this news and the morning session with Belgium and the Republic of the Congo, on top of the riots occuring in Leopoldville in reaction to Secretary-General Hammarskjöld’s arrival, UNHSC 1961 delegations began to caucus and write resolutions focusing on humanitarian aid.

“There’s a terrible war going on, we want to do everything in our power to stop it,” said Representative Nick Gavreau of the United Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). “We have been trying very hard to make sure that we can find all peaceful solutions and work toward those. We think we are still on the right track to that goal.”

Representative Gavreau remained confident that a peaceful solution to the conflict was possible after hearing representatives from Belgium and the Congo.

As caucusing came to a close, an announcement was made. The UN delegations were informed of a riot at the site where Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba is being held at Camp Hardy, which was quelled with strong force. As a reaction to this and the sessions with the Republic of the Congo and Belgium earlier in the day, the United Arab Republic held a press conference with Ecuador and Ceylon, stressing the importance of coming together to provide aid.

“The actions of building authorities are in complete contradiction to the United [Nations] Charter,” said Representative Brooke Miller of Ecuador. “The Republic of Ecuador encourages global sanctions against Belgium until the nation completes a full retreat of all military forces and a dismantling of exploitative Belgian nationals living in the Katungan region. The Republic of Ecuador reminds Belgium that ignorance is not a valid excuse for colonization in the destruction of a Congolese people in their society.”

Once back in formal debate, France immediately motioned for a consultative session, which passed unanimously. The delegations came together to discuss “A Resolution to Provide Humanitarian Aid to the Congolese People,” which France asserted must include multiple pathways for aid, in an effort to sidestep the Congolese delegation’s desire to block any aid which comes in without the guarantee of Katanga remaining sovereign to the Republic of the Congo.

Representative Thomas Kanza of Stanleyville arrived as a party to the dispute, stating that Belgium has no place in their country.

“The UN’s inaction is unacceptable, and we will no longer sit idly by while our country is torn apart. As for the two-state solutions proposed I am clear in my position, Congo is one. We will not negotiate our sovereignty or our unity. If the international community continues to push for a solution that divides us I will walk away from these discussions. We are Congo, we will fight for sovereignty and with every fiber of our being.”

Representative Kanza continued, laying down their position that the people of Congo want Patrice Lumumba, their symbol of hope and autonomy, as their leader.

“Belgium has had influence on Leopoldville and Katanga,” said Representative Kanza. “We as the people of the Congo would like to take it back.”