The national anthem of the Congo, the “Debout congolais”, is the subject of proposals for revision which spark a debate among the Congolese population. These propositions relate mainly to the conjugated form of certain verbs from the first person plural to the second. Before judging the appropriateness of these changes, it is important to understand the deeper meaning of the text of the anthem.
The anthem was written at the dawn of the country’s independence and it celebrates this achievement. From the first sentence, we feel the commitment and unity of the Congolese people in their quest for independence. The text of the anthem plays on a structure that divides the singers into two groups, thus creating a particular dynamic and reinforcing the message of unity. This structuring of the song makes it possible to highlight the immortal oath of freedom bequeathed to posterity.
It is also important to point out that the anthem is a constantly evolving project. A stanza was deleted in the final adopted version, but that does not mean that the text is frozen. The anthem remains a song that calls for action, greatness and the pursuit of the ideals of independence. The future tense used in certain parts of the text reinforces this injunctive dimension, thus indicating that the process of liberation and construction of the country is still ongoing.
The mention of populating the Congo is not limited to a simple spatial occupation, it is also an invitation to become a reflection of the greatness of the country. This raises the question of the paths to be explored so that the Congo can achieve even greater greatness. The celebration of June 30, Independence Day, should be an opportunity to question the ideals of independence and reflect on the many challenges facing the country.
It is necessary to take the time to understand and analyze in depth the text of the national anthem of Congo. Seeking new meanings and reflecting on current issues allows us to appreciate the importance of this anthem in the construction of Congolese national identity