In September 1960, in the wake of post-colonial struggles in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Kasai region proclaimed its independence. This assertion of autonomy came during a time of political chaos following the eventual departure of Belgian colonial rulers and the subsequent power vacuum. Leaders in the region, primarily from the Lulua ethnic group, felt increasingly excluded from the central government dominated by Kasaï and other groups. Political grievances were compounded by social and economic disparities, fueling the desire for secession. The movement gained traction under the leadership of Albert Kalonji, who emerged as a prominent figure advocating for the rights and independence of South Kasai.The secession was marked by a declaration of independence on September 8, leading to tensions within the Congo and raising eyebrows in the international community. The central government under Joseph Kasavubu and Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba condemned the act, as it threatened the integrity and stability of the newly independent nation. Armed confrontations ensued between the Congolese government forces and secessionist militias, escalating the conflict and resulting in a fierce struggle for control over resource-rich regions. The crisis in South Kasai soon attracted attention from both neighboring countries and Western powers, each seeking to influence the outcome.As the situation deteriorated, the UN was called to intervene in the Congo, which included peacekeeping forces being deployed to restore order. Despite immediate international response, the conflict set a precedent for ongoing strife in several regions of the Congo, leading to years of instability and violence. The brief independence of South Kasai ended with the re-establishment of central authority, but the aspirations for autonomy persisted, leaving a legacy that would impact political dynamics in the region for years to come.