13 Facts About Daniel Kanza

Daniel Kanza Kinsona was a Congolese politician and a leading member of the Alliance des Bakongo.

Daniel Kanza served as Premier Burgomaster of the capital of the Congo, Leopoldville, from 1960 until 1962.

Daniel Kanza was born in 1909 in the Manianga area of the Luozi Territory.

Daniel Kanza received a Protestant Christian education before enlisting in the Force Publique, being stationed all over the Congo.

Between 1929 and 1940 Kanza had seven children with Elisabeth Mansangaza, including future sociologist and politician Sophie Kanza and future politician and diplomat Thomas Kanza.

Daniel Kanza worked as a functionary in the colonial administration.

Daniel Kanza was arrested after the Leopoldville riots of 4 January 1959.

Daniel Kanza attended the Belgo-Congolese Round Table Conference in Brussels on behalf of ABAKO in January 1960, and was chosen to be a vice president of the talks.

Daniel Kanza heavily criticized party president Joseph Kasa-Vubu for his attitude during the conference and his failure to consult other party members.

Kasa-Vubu pushed for a federalist government, which Daniel Kanza strongly opposed in favor of a unitary system.

Daniel Kanza was appointed to a committee formed to address the problem, and ultimately it was decided that the Congolese state should assume all responsibilities of governance.

Daniel Kanza left office in June 1962 when ABAKO had him removed and replaced by a candidate they preferred.

Daniel Kanza refused to pledge such, and as a result was not included on the ballot for ABAKO.