UN General Assembly
1967

54. The Congo has again been in the news, troubled by those who refuse to recognize the fact that this country is no longer a colonial appendage but an independent and sovereign State. The Congo situation, as we all know, has been one of Africa's thorniest problems. Our needs and weaknesses have made possible the involvement of non-African Powers in our affairs. How otherwise would it be conceivable that after seven years of self-rule, foreign mercenaries should venture to enter the Congo? My Government has already demonstrated by concrete action its full support for the Government of the Congo in its fight against those hired brigands. In our view, whatever reservations any Government might have had about the authorities in the Congo the Government that now controls the Congo truly and genuinely seeks the welfare and progress of the Congolese people, and it is about time that those external forces which seek to control the destiny of this long-suffering State abandoned such designs and gave a chance to the constituted Government to pacify the Congo and secure for its people the peace and security it so ardently desires.