Last modified: 2004-02-07 by jarig bakker
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![[Congo, Rep. Dem., 1960]](../images/c/cd-1960.gif)
In 1960, the Belgian Congo became independent. The flag was adapted
by the addition of six gold stars in the hoist to represent the six provinces
of the new state. The state was usually called Congo-Kinshasa (Kinshasa
being the capital) to distinguish it from the former French Congo to the
north, which was known as Congo-Brazzaville. After
the failure of the Katanganese seccession, more
provinces were created. Rather than add these to the flag, US-style, a
new flag was adopted in 1963.
Stuart Notholt, 10 Mar 1996
Most sources show this flag as light blue, even if the dark blue were reported in use, too. The current flag, that is basically the same, has the blue shade defined by Pantone scale, and that definition makes it darker, even if today the light flags are to be seen occasionally, even in official events. [Abbreviated discussion from the mailling list. Ed.]
People's Republic of Congo 1964-1965, i.e. the rival government in Stanleyville continued to use this flag.
It is not correct to use the name Congo-Kinshasa for the periods
1960-1963 and 1963-1966 as you do on your page, because the country was
then referred to as Congo-Léopoldville (not Congo-Kinshasa).
Léopoldville became Kinshasa only in 1966!
Serge Didelot, 21 Jan 2004
Léopoldville (or Leopoldstad in Dutch... but only French was
official) was founded in 1881 and did not become capital of the
Belgian Congo until 1926.
(See also 'Kinshasa city (DR Congo)'.
I believe the name 'Léo-Kin' was used in colonial days, indicating
a part of town which later gave its name to the whole.
Jan Mertens, 22 Jan 2004
This is the flag of Congo-Kinshasa, in use from 1 July 1963 until 21
November 1971. In that year, the country was renamed Zaire and the flag
was replaced with the Zairean flag, [which remained
in
use until 1997 — ed.].
Stuart Notholt 10 Mar 1996
On that 30th June 1963 Congo adopted a flag light blue flag was a red
stripe with yellow fimbriations, running from the lower left corner to
the upper right coner, and a big yellow five pointed star in the canton.
Jos Poels, 19 May 97
Various sources give diffeent position of the diagonal stripe. The one
shown above seems to be the right one, even if such flags where yellow
fimbriations (either of the two) touch the corners are reported, and probably
were is use. [Ed.]
The rebels of the RCD (Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie,
Congolese Union for Democracy) have
started using
the 1964 flag as the flag of Congo.
Filip Van Laenen, 2 Jul 1999