The courageous and committed gesture of Congolese footballer Héritier Luvumbu Nzinga – celebrating a goal with the gesture of denouncing the killings in the DRC – has aroused both admiration and controversy. Returning to Kinshasa after being suspended and then dismissed by his club in Rwanda, Luvumbu Nzinga is welcomed as a hero by the Congolese government.
His gesture, consisting of covering his mouth with one hand and pointing two fingers to his temple, was an act of denunciation of the silence of the international community in the face of the violence ravaging eastern DRC. Despite criticism from his club and the Rwanda Football Federation, the player says he is proud to have done his part to draw attention to this scourge.
Luvumbu Nzinga’s attitude resonated positively with the Congolese people, who massively supported him on social networks. Even As Vita Club of Kinshasa, his former club, expressed their solidarity and said they were ready to offer him a new contract if he agrees to return to the team.
While the player is not a politician and claims to have not insulted anyone, his gesture highlighted the role of sport in expressing social commitment. His act reminds us that athletes often have a powerful voice and can help raise awareness among the masses on important issues.
This gesture by Luvumbu Nzinga also invites us to reflect on the responsibility of the international community in resolving conflicts in the DRC. He raises the question of inaction in the face of the violence perpetrated in the east of the country and calls for collective mobilization to put an end to these atrocities.
Ultimately, Luvumbu Nzinga’s story reminds us that sport is much more than entertainment. It can be a platform that allows athletes to make their voices heard and fight for just causes. By celebrating his return to Kinshasa as a hero, the Congolese people show their gratitude to this committed footballer who dared to raise his hand to denounce the violence which is devastating his country.