Home
Historical Documents
Department History
Key Milestones
- The Founding Era
- Diplomacy and Revolution
- The Early Republic
- Securing the Republic
- The Antebellum Period
- The Civil War
- The Age of Imperialism
- Into the Twentieth Century
- The First World War
- The Interwar Period
- World War II
- The Cold War
- Bi-Polar Foreign Policy
- Entangling Alliances
- Détente
- Quest for Peace
- Cold War Denouement
- Toward the Twenty-First Century
Guide to Countries
More Resources
Countries
Democratic Republic of the Congo
A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Summary
The United States recognized the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s independence in 1960 and established diplomatic relations at the same time.
Modern Flag of The Democratic Republic of the Congo
Recognition
The United States recognized the Republic of Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo) on June 30, 1960, in a congratulatory message from President Dwight D. Eisenhower to President Kasavubu. On that date, the area formerly known as the Belgian Congo was proclaimed independent from Belgian sovereignty.
Diplomatic Relations
Diplomatic relations were established on June 30, 1960, when the American Embassy in Leopoldville (now Kinshasha) was established with John D. Tomlinson as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim.
Resources
- Department of State Background Note: Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of State Country Information: Democratic Republic of the Congo