UN General Assembly
1960

333. Unfortunately other countries have shown less discretion and it is disturbing to note that now that the Belgian troops who were there on a temporary mission cannot be indicted, criticism is turned against the United Nations. Passing circumstances, however, should not blind us to the main currents of history. No one can deprive us of the honour of having created the Congo, which before we arrived was a mere conglomeration of warring racial groups and tribes. It was we who created it. It is the Congolese people, together with Belgian experts, and nobody else, who have bestowed upon this magnificent country its economic, social and human equipment. It is the Congolese people and the Belgian people, and nobody else, who on 30 June 1960 brought about the independence of the Congo. No crisis, however serious and tragic it may be, can conceal that fundamental fact. As soon as it has re-established order in its internal affairs, the Congo will become that for which its people, together with us, have been preparing for eighty years — a great African Power.