Today we commemorate the 54th anniversary of the march of the students of Lovanium University in 1969. At that time, young students from various higher institutes in Kinshasa, girls and boys, went to the front to demand freedom , Africanization and the abolition of the dictatorship. This historic march was marked by great bloodshed and the freedom fighters or activists were forgotten by the history of the Congo.
The famous Mwamba Symphorien, formidable actor on stage and committed student, was one of them. Elected mayor of his home, Mwamba was always at the forefront of demands. On June 4, 1969, following failed negotiations with the Party-State government for the university’s academic independence from colonial traditions, he was present with nearly 5,000 angry students, demanding their rights.
The protests led to a violent clash with security forces and resulted in the deaths of several protesters. Mwamba Symphorien was among the victims. The students were exposed to brutal repression due to the political regime in place. This fight against the dictatorship has remained engraved in the history of the DRC and, despite its violence, it had a significant impact on future demonstrations.
Today, the situation in the DRC remains fragile, economic stability on the rise, but security challenges are still there. Eastern DRC remains the most unstable area, despite the defeat of the M23. Tensions are on the rise, with acts of violence perpetrated by armed groups. The Rwenzori region, for example, is not immune to attacks.
Refugees continue to flee the DRC, despite UNHCR’s encouragement for voluntary repatriation. Assassinations of members of civil society continue to be perpetrated, testifying to the political instability that remains despite the end of armed conflicts.
Also, it is important to pay tribute to those who fought for freedom and justice in the history of the Congo. Freedom fighters must not be forgotten