**Fatshimetrie: In search of the historical truth about the great Songye chief Yakzumnu Kamanda Lumpungu**
A historic initiative has been launched for the rehabilitation and truth about the tragic fate of the great Songye chief Yakzumnu Kamanda Lumpungu. The non-profit organization aFreeKam, in collaboration with the Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) in Tervuren, organized a moving tribute in honor of this emblematic figure of the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Several generations later, the family of the great chief continues to demand justice and truth. The great sovereign’s great-granddaughter, Mrs. Ytal Yambo Bena Lumpungu, vigorously declared: “You killed an innocent man and you are aware of it. I demand that the truth be reestablished.” The facts reveal that the great chief Kamanda Lumpungu was hanged almost a century ago in Kabinda, Lomami province, by the Belgian colonial administration because of his progressive ideas. His body is still missing, his property confiscated and his memory tarnished by injustice.
A poignant debate also surrounds a necklace found in connection with the Songye chief, exhibited in the Tervuren Museum. This object raises many questions and reflections, revealing a mysterious and painful part of history. Princess Ital Lumpungu highlighted the lack of explanations surrounding this artifact and stressed the importance of fully understanding its context and its connection to the great chief.
The tribute ceremony was enriched by the screening of a video retracing the life and legacy of the Lumpungu chiefs, highlighting the importance of their contribution to the culture and history of the Songye people. Kamanda Lumpungu stood out for his enlightened social and economic vision, his wise policy and his unwavering commitment to the protection and interests of his community. His tumultuous relationship with the colonial administration, marked by his refusal to submit and his quest for independence, sealed his tragic fate in 1936.
Today, the quest for truth and rehabilitation for the great Songye chief Yakzumnu Kamanda Lumpungu resonates as a call for honor and justice. The story of this inspiring leader must be fully revealed, his memory honored and his legacy celebrated. By recognizing and rectifying the injustices of the past, we can hope to pave the way for a more just future that respects the cultural and historical diversity of our world.
Together, let us commit to continuing the quest for truth and reconciliation, honoring the memory of the great Songye chief Yakzumnu Kamanda Lumpungu and perpetuating his legacy for future generations. Fatshimetrie remains mobilized to shed light on the gray areas of our shared history and build a future marked by justice and tolerance.