54 years ago in Kinshasa, students mobilized to demand freedom, Africanization and the abolition of dictatorship. Unfortunately, many of them fell, in vain because they were forgotten by the History of Congo. Today is a time to remember these freedom fighters and their sacrifice.
During this demonstration, Mwamba Symphorien, mayor of his home and famous theater actor, is among the leaders with his friends. Although half of the students know neither the ins nor the detailed outs of the demands, the column vibrating with slogans hostile to the regime unrolls its procession and ignites in the face of the first shots of soldiers armed from head to toe. The people are torn between perplexity and sympathy. The cheers of the walkers-protesters boost their songs and cries.
But after the tear gas shots and live ammunition, it’s a rout. The wounded and dead are left behind and the students scatter to the surrounding plots in tears and disillusion.
This tragic event has never been remembered enough and yet it shows us that the struggle for freedom is a human value to be protected. So many years later, the mourning is still present and it must never be forgotten.
Together, let’s remember, never to repeat the mistakes of the past