Who Is Moïse Tshombe? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Moïse Tshombe was born on November 10, 1919, in the Belgian Congo. He emerged as a prominent figure during a tumultuous period in Congolese history, ultimately leading the secession of Katanga Province in the early 1960s. Tshombe served as Prime Minister and was known for his controversial stance and actions during the Congo Crisis, which included aligning with Western powers. His life was marked by political turbulence, and he eventually died in 1969 in exile.
| Occupation | Prime Ministers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 10, 1919 |
| Age | 49 Years |
| Birth Place | Musumba, Belgian Congo |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Algeria |
| Date of death | 29 June, 1969 |
| Died Place | El Biar, Algiers, Algeria |
Popularity
Moïse Tshombe's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Moïse Tshombe’s height and weight during his lifetime are not meticulously documented, he was described as a robust and commanding presence in political settings. His stature contributed to his eminent persona in the political arena of the Congo.
As the Armée Nationale Congolaise could not handle the Simbas, Mobutu argued that the Congo needed Western help. Mobutu had been the king-maker of Congolese politics ever since he staged his first coup in 1960. He pressured President Joseph Kasa-Vubu to appoint Tshombe premier on the grounds that he was the Congolese politician most likely to secure Western support.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Moïse Tshombe was married to his wife, Marie-Thérèse Tshombe, and had several children. His personal life, like his political career, was subject to much scrutiny, but detailed accounts of his relationships, including any involved romantic partnerships beyond his marriage, remain largely private.
Net Worth and Salary
Although precise figures regarding Moïse Tshombe's net worth at the time of his death in 1969 are not widely available, his political positions and business interests indicated that he had considerable wealth. Tshombe's investments in mining and other sectors in Katanga likely contributed to his financial status, especially during a critical period when resource control was vital.
Unlike the other provinces of the Belgian Congo, Katanga was rich in mineral resources, such as copper, tin and uranium, all of which were exploited by the Union Minière company. Uranium from the Shinkolobwe mine was used in developing nuclear weapons by the United States and Nazi Germany during World War II.
By the 1950s, the prospect of wealth derived from the ores had attracted 32,000 Belgian settlers to Katanga, which was the highest number of whites for any province in Belgian Congo. The mining industry provided, by the standards of Africa, well paying jobs, and immigrants arrived from the other provinces of the Belgian Congo.
Career, Business and Investments
Moïse Tshombe's political career was entrenched in the fabric of Congolese history. After becoming involved in local politics, he quickly rose to prominence. His most notable position was as Prime Minister during the secession of Katanga, where he leveraged international support, particularly from western powers, to consolidate his authority.
In addition to his political endeavors, Tshombe had interests in various Brazilian and Congolese mining ventures which he utilized for both personal and political gain. His business acumen played a significant role in his ability to fund political endeavors and maintain power during a tumultuous era in Congo.
CONAKAT won control of the Katanga provincial legislature in the May 1960 general elections. One month later, the Congo became an independent republic. Tshombe became President of the autonomous province of Katanga. Patrice Lumumba was tasked with forming a national government.
Members of his party, the Mouvement National Congolais, were given charge of the portfolios of national defence and interior, despite Tshombe's objections. The portfolio for economic affairs was awarded to a CONAKAT member, but this was undercut by the positioning of nationalists in control of the Ministry and Secretariat for Economic Coordination.
Mines and land affairs were placed under separate portfolios. Tshombe declared that this diluting of CONAKAT's influence rendered his agreement to support the government "null and void".
Social Network
Tshombe was a well-connected politician, forging relationships with influential Western leaders and organizations. His alignment with figures like the United Nations and the United States showcased his ability to navigate complex international relations. Social networks were crucial for Tshombe, as they provided the support necessary for his political maneuvers.
Tshombe, like many members of the Lunda royalty, was close to the settler elite, and felt threatened by the flood of Kasai Baluba moving into Katanga.
In the late 1950s, the Belgians allowed a limited degree of democracy in the Belgian Congo and in the first municipal elections in 1957, the majority of the mayors elected were Baluba, which sparked fears that the Lunda would be a marginalized group in their own province.
Tshombe's political involvement started in 1957 in response to the perceived threat of Baluba domination.
Education
Moïse Tshombe received his education in the Belgian Congo, focusing on law and political subjects. Although specific details about his educational background are sparse, it is evident that his understanding of politics and governance was significant in shaping his leadership style. His political ideology was influenced by his experiences working in both native Congolese society and colonial structures.
The Tshombe family were Lunda royalty and a number of Tshombes had reigned as the Mwaant Yav, the traditional king of the Lunda people. He received his education from an American missionary school and later trained as an accountant. In the 1950s, he took over a chain of stores in Katanga Province, which failed.
Tshombe ran a number of businesses, which all failed, requiring his wealthy family to bail him out. Tshombe later became involved in politics.
