Local and foreign opponents were able pressure Leopold to relinquish CFS through armed resistance, reporting and political organizing. As a result of the pressure against Leopold, the Belgium government took control over Congo in 1908. As a result, the Congolese experienced less brutality. It was not until 1960 when Congo officially gained independence electing the first president, Patrice Lumumba. It was a long road for Congo to become independent but it was significant as the Congolese received help from some key activists such as George Washington Williams, Roger Casement and E.D. Morel. Especially Morel, who created an international human rights campaign. The Congolese never benefited from colonialism due to the fact that Leopold only wanted to claim CFS for rich resources and money. CFS shows the importance of awareness of what happening in different parts of the world in order to prevent crimes against inhumanity. To sum up, gaining independence from Leopold was never a victory for the Congolese and this dark history will forever be in the memories of the Congolese.