Article: Patrice-Emery Lumumba and Laurent-Désiré Kabila: what political legacy?
63 and 23 years ago, Congo lost two of its emblematic figures: Patrice-Emery Lumumba and Laurent-Désiré Kabila. Today, as their commemoration is celebrated, it is time to question the political legacy left by these two leaders.
Michel Bisa Kibul, professor of political science at the University of Kinshasa, raises certain concerns based on the Congolese national anthem. Through these questions, he highlights the failures in preserving the political ideals of Lumumba and Kabila.
The first point raised concerns the phrase “Debout congolais”. This expression refers to the pride and strength of the Congolese people. However, Michel Bisa wonders if the Congolese people are really standing today. According to him, the state has not given enough reasons to the people to stand and fight for national causes. He thus evokes a people who would be “lying down” and who would lack motivation to defend the higher interests of the nation.
The second point concerns the idea of unity, expressed by the words “United in effort, united in effort.” Michel Bisa questions this unity within the Congolese people. It highlights the tribal and ethnic tensions that emerged during the electoral process in the DRC, fueling hate speech. He recalls that even Kasavubu, Lumumba’s political opponent, had demanded his release and his participation in the round table which led to independence. This vision of unity seems compromised today.
The third point concerns the idea of recovery, symbolized by the phrase “Let us raise our long-curved fronts.” Michel Bisa wonders if our fronts are really raised today. He mentions the permanent attacks to which the DRC is the victim from its neighbors and other partners. He cites in particular Nairobi’s acceptance of the creation of a subversive movement aimed at fighting the power of Kinshasa, proof of Congolese weakness in the face of Kenya. This situation calls into question the sovereignty and dignity of the country.
Finally, the national anthem mentions the idea of peace, assurance of the greatness of the country and its people. However, Michel Bisa highlights the incessant massacres in eastern DRC as well as the occupation of part of the territory by Rwanda. He questions the quality of the men who populate the country, referring to the numerous violence and injustices that persist.
Faced with these observations, Michel Bisa calls for a revaluation of ethics and a moralization of daily and public life. It is essential to fight against the aggressions suffered by the DRC: armed aggression, the aggression of hunger and the aggression of vices. He insists on the need to put an end to anti-values and bequeath to future generations the political and moral heritage received from Lumumba and Kabila.
In conclusion, the assassinations of Patrice-Emery Lumumba and Laurent-Désiré Kabila left an immense political vacuum in Congo. It is time to reflect on the legacy left by these leaders and take steps to preserve and enhance their ideals. The DRC needs to regain its pride, its unity and its sovereignty in order to build a better future for its citizens.