On this memorable day of 1 September 2024, the Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) in Tervuren vibrated to the sound of a poignant tribute to the great Songye chief Kamanda Lumpungu. This event, orchestrated by the non-profit organisation aFreeKam in collaboration with the RMCA, brought together a varied audience, from moved Congolese to Belgians sensitive to this story, as well as Africans from all over the continent.
At the opening of the ceremony, a touch of emotion invaded the room when Mrs Ytal Yambo Bena Lumpungu, great-granddaughter of the great chief, spoke with solemnity marked by dignity. Her trembling voice firmly expressed the demand for truth and justice for her ancestor unjustly hanged almost nine decades ago. The words resonated like a universal request: “You killed an innocent man and you are aware of it. I demand that the truth be reestablished”.
The memory of Kamanda Lumpungu, an emblematic figure of the Songye people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was honored for his unwavering commitment to his people. Indeed, this great chief left his mark on history through his enlightened governance, his resistance to the colonial administration and his fierce defense of the interests of his community. His fight for independence and his refusal to submit to colonial oppression were distinctive traits that marked his destiny.
The assembly was moved by the screening of a video retracing the captivating history of the Lumpungu chiefs, recalling the struggles, sacrifices and hopes that forged their legend. During this tribute, a symbolic object particularly attracted attention: a mysterious necklace that belonged to the great chief, exhibited at the Tervuren museum. This relic, bearer of history and memory, raised many questions, testifying to the importance of preserving the artifacts of this common heritage.
Today, through this tribute ceremony, it is not only the memory of Kamanda Lumpungu that is celebrated, but also the values of integrity, resilience and dignity that he embodied. The call to the Belgian State for the rehabilitation of the great leader resonates as a legitimate demand for recognition and reparation. The quest for truth and justice remains more relevant than ever, recalling the importance of preserving historical memory and recognizing the mistakes of the past in order to build a better future.
On this day full of emotion and symbolism, the tribute paid to Kamanda Lumpungu resonates as a call for reconciliation and recognition of common history, in a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect. May this ceremony remain the vibrant testimony of a living memory, carried by the breath of hope and justice..
In the dim light of the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Kamanda Lumpungu’s legacy shines eternally, reminding us all that truth and dignity are timeless values, engraved in the hearts of those who dare to stand up for honour and justice.
The flame of memory will never be extinguished, vibrating to the rhythm of hearts united in the quest for justice and reparation. By celebrating the past, we shape the future, with the certainty that truth will always triumph, guiding our steps on the path to reconciliation and peace.