The coffin of slain Congolese independence hero Patrice Lumumba returns to his home region for an emotionally charged tour and burial, more than six decades after his assassination. Lumumba earned his place in history as an anti-colonial icon when the DRC proclaimed independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960, delivering a fiery speech against settler racism. He was overthrown that September before separatists from the southern region of Katanga and Belgian mercenaries executed him and two close supporters, Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito, on January 17, 1961. IMAGES