Fatshimetrie: Tracing the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo through Congo 50
In a world in perpetual evolution, where landmarks seem to dissolve and where generations succeed one another without always taking the full measure of the history that preceded them, the comic strip Congo 50 brings a breath of fresh air to the traceability of Congolese history. Published by the 1960 editions to 2010, this work turns out to be much more than a simple collection of illustrations: it is a real reference tool, an essential landmark for new generations in search of their roots.
Mirko Popovitch, director of Africalia, rightly underlines the importance of this work as a bridge between the different eras and the diverse cultures that have shaped today’s Congo. Indeed, Congo 50 immerses us in a captivating story, that of the destiny of the Congolese and Belgian peoples, linked by a tormented past but also by a common destiny. The marriage arranged in Berlin in 1885 by the European powers laid the foundations for a complex history, marked by colonization, the struggle for independence and the challenges of nation building.
Through the 56 pages of Congo 50, a rich and varied panorama of the key events that have marked the history of the DRC is revealed. From independence to political upheavals, through periods of conflict and reconstruction, each line, each bubble of this comic strip resonates like an echo of the past, a living testimony of the struggles and hopes of an entire people.
The artists and creators who contributed to the development of Congo 50, such as Asimba Bathy, CARA BUL, Didier Kawende, Fati Kabwika, Djema Djei Tshamala Tetshim, Jason Kibisbwa, have been able to magnify Congolese history through an original and creative prism. Their artistic work transcends the simple story to make it a true work of art, capable of touching hearts and minds, awakening consciences and arousing the desire to better understand and appropriate one’s own past.
Ultimately, Congo 50 stands out as a true cultural treasure, a precious legacy passed on to future generations to guide them on the path to self-knowledge and building a common future. By revisiting the past with a fresh perspective and reaffirming the importance of collective memory, this comic strip helps to build a bridge between different eras, to forge links between individuals and communities, to enrich the collective imagination and to nourish the hope of a better future for all Congolese. Fatshimetrie reminds us, through Congo 50, that knowing one’s history means giving oneself the means to build a fairer and more united future, where the past illuminates the present and guides the future.