Title: Mamadou Ndala: a timeless tribute to a Congolese hero
Introduction :
In Congolese society, the name of Mamadou Ndala continues to resonate. Even after 10 years of his disappearance, this Colonel, posthumously elevated to the rank of General, remains an emblematic figure in the fight against insecurity in the East of the DRC. His courage and dedication inspired all Congolese youth. Today, a talented writer, Jephté Mbangala, pays tribute to this hero through his book entitled “The secret codes of Mamadou Ndala”.
A devouring passion:
Born in Kikwit and growing up in Kinshasa, Jephté Mbangala, a young Congolese writer, could not contain his passion for the story of Mamadou Ndala. He decided to express it through a play which immerses the reader in a fictional universe while paying tribute to this man who devoted his life to the restoration of peace and dignity in Eastern Congo. Jephté Mbangala explains: “What pushes me to write this story is that in Congolese society, his name resonates. It is a way for me to pay tribute to this hero who devoted his life to the restoration of peace and dignity in Eastern Congo”.
An eternal hero:
Colonel Mamadou Mustafa Ndala was killed in an ambush near Beni airport on January 2, 2014. His death left many gray areas. Several sources suggest the possibility of an internal settling of scores within the army, while official voices favor the thesis of the responsibility of the ADF combatants. This tragedy deeply affected Jephté Mbangala, who was then 13 years old and was in the west of the country, far from the scene of the events. He felt a deep sense of injustice and wanted to make known the secret codes of this extraordinary man.
A tribute in literature:
Jephté Mbangala’s fascination with Mamadou Ndala reached its peak when he attended demonstrations by the population against insecurity in Goma. He saw demonstrators brandishing signs bearing the image of Mamadou Ndala. This event inspired Jephté to write his book “The secret codes of Mamadou Ndala”. To pay tribute to this hero, he chose the literary genre that is dear to him: theater. He explains: “I wanted to pay this tribute in the most beautiful way, one that makes it easier for everyone to understand and makes you want to read. And then, this opens up other avenues for discovering this story.”
A work that transcends borders:
“The secret codes of Mamadou Ndala” is published by the Songa Ngangu publishing house in the town of Kikwit. By pre-order, more than 500 copies have already been sold. The book will soon be available at Kin Marché points of sale in Kinshasa, as well as at the youth center in Goma and at the University of Lubumbashi. Its price is set at $10. In addition, the team is currently working on its translation into the four national languages: Lingala, Swahili, Kikongo and Tshiluba.
Conclusion :
The book “The Secret Codes of Mamadou Ndala” by Jephté Mbangala is a vibrant tribute to a Congolese hero who continues to inspire young people. Through his writing and his talent, the author immerses us in the world of Mamadou Ndala and allows us to discover the secret codes of this exceptional man. It is a literary work that transcends borders and pays a timeless tribute to a hero who will remain forever engraved in the history of the DRC.