however, as prime minister of nigeria, he played important roles in the continent's formative indigenous rule. he was an important leader in the formation of the organisation of african unity and creating a cooperative relationship with french speaking african countries. he was also instrumental in negotiations between moise tshombe and the congolese authorities during the congo crisis of 1960–1964. he led a vocal protest against the sharpeville massacre of 1960 and also entered into an alliance with commonwealth ministers who wanted south africa to leave the commonwealth in 1961. however, a treason charge and conviction against one of the western region's leaders, obafemi awolowo, led to protest and condemnation from many of his supporters. the 1965 election in the region later produced violent protests. rioting and violence were soon synchronous with what was perceived as inordinate political encroachment and an over-exuberant election outcome for awolowo's western opponents.