On 4 January 1959, riots rock Leopoldville when the colonial government suddenly forbids a meeting of ABAKO, led by Joseph Kasavubu. The same day, a nearby football match ends in dispute, the crowd erupts in anger, and the police intervene. Rioting continues for two days, after which Kasavubu is jailed and then released. Tension mounts throughout 1959.
In October, following unrest in Stanleyville, MNC-Lumumba President Patrice Lumumba is jailed. Belgians and Congolese seek in vain to establish a dialogue.

The first shouts of 'Dipanda!' ('Independence!') are heard.

Soon, in response to Congolese demands, the Belgian government announces that a Round Table will be held in Brussels in mid-January 1960.