The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) today marks Independence day.

The country commemorates its liberation from Belgian colonial rule.

Patrice Lumumba became the DRC’s first elected Prime Minister after the nation’s independence from Belgian colonisers on June 30, 1960.

He was assassinated a few months into his role.

Sixty-six years after gaining sovereignty DRC faces a catastrophic humanitarian crisis as a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak directly collides with the escalating conflict in the eastern region.

The epidemic has killed over 300 people, and the conflict has displaced millions and claimed thousands of lives.

–Channel Africa–