National MP Léonard She Okitundu recently advocated for the modernization of the National Library of Congo, highlighting the importance of this institution for the promotion and preservation of the French language within the country and the Francophonie. This initiative comes after a visit by the French Ambassador, Remy Maréchaux, to the library, thus highlighting the shared interest of France and Congo for this modernization action.
The national library, as the library of the largest French-speaking country, occupies an important symbolic place in the promotion of the French language and Congolese culture. Léonard She Okitundu stressed the urgency of providing the Democratic Republic of Congo with a modern national library in order to preserve and promote the French language, a vector of cultural diversity and linguistic competition in the world.
The MP also called on France, sharing responsibility for the French language with Congo, to actively support this modernization project. As part of the Franco-Congolese relationship, this initiative is part of a dynamic of cultural and linguistic cooperation between the two countries.
Georges Mulumba, Director General of the National Library, joined this plea by requesting France’s involvement to make this approach a reality. He expressed the need for financial and technical support to successfully modernize the institution, which is crucial for its influence and its contribution to the intellectual and cultural life of the country.
Ambassador Remy Maréchaux recognized the importance of this modernization, emphasizing that the current national library does not reflect the size or cultural potential of the Congo. He committed to supporting discussions to find funding and support channels to successfully complete this modernization project.
The initiative to modernize the National Library of Congo is part of a perspective of promoting the country’s cultural and literary heritage, as well as a desire to strengthen ties with the Francophonie. As an emblematic place of knowledge and culture, the national library is of particular importance for the transmission of knowledge and the promotion of the French language in a context of linguistic and cultural diversity.