Editing Joseph Kasa-Vubu (section)

=== Political activities ===
Kasa-Vubu began semi-clandestine political organising work while he was still employed by colonial authorities.{{sfn|Tanner|1961}}

Following the resignation of its leader on 21 March 1954, Kasa-Vubu was elected president of the [[ABAKO|Alliance des Bakongo]] (ABAKO).{{sfn|Covington-Ward|2012|p=75}} Under his leadership, the group swept the first open municipal Leopoldville elections in 1957 and he was elected mayor of the [[Kasa-Vubu, Kinshasa|Dendale district]] of the city.{{sfn|Reuters|1969}}

Kasa-Vubu quickly became known as one of the first Congolese leaders to call for independence. At first, he advocated for independence from Belgium on a 30-year timeline, but he shortened the timetable as the ABAKO movement gained in strength.{{sfn|Tanner|1961}} In his inauguration speech as mayor of Dendale, Kasa-Vubu reiterated his demand for independence, drawing a reprimand from Belgian colonial authorities, which only strengthened his image as a Congolese leader.{{sfn|Reuters|1969}}

On 4 January 1959, an ABAKO political gathering organised by Kasa-Vubu erupted into violence, sparking the [[Léopoldville riots]], a pivotal moment in the Congolese struggle for independence. Kasa-Vubu was set to address the crowd on [[African nationalism]], but colonial authorities banned the meeting. They were unable to calm the crowd and thousands of Congolese began rioting. Kasa-Vubu was arrested, along with several other leaders, and imprisoned for inciting the riot. He was released two months later.{{sfn|Reuters|1969}}