### The Memory of Laurent-Désiré Kabila: Between Heroism and Controversy
On January 16, 2001, the death of Laurent-Désiré Kabila, former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marked a tragic turning point in the country’s political history. Twenty-four years later, the memory of this man, affectionately nicknamed “Mzee” by his supporters, is far from unequivocal. While his figure persists in the collective imagination, it is confronted with complex realities stemming from a legacy that combines undeniable achievements and political controversies.
#### Hero for some, tyrant for others
Kabila is often celebrated as a national hero, having been able to unite and galvanize the young soldiers of the Kadogo, this emblematic group that overthrew the regime of Joseph Mobutu. His rise to power in 1997 with a valiant army was seen by many as a breath of hope. Nine percent of the Congolese population, according to a recent study, under the age of 25, continue to see him as a symbol of resistance in the face of oppression. Anecdotes from Kinshasa evoke memories of discipline and a return to order, often accompanied by fear of immediate punishment.
However, the analogy between Kabila’s authority and that of some contemporary autocratic regimes cannot be ignored. The practices referred to as “chicotte des Kadogo” have left scars on the psyche of a nation still searching for its own political identity. This phenomenon raises the crucial question of how rigorous authority and respect for the law are combined with respect for human rights.
#### A controversial pan-African vision
Kabila wanted to be a fervent pan-Africanist, advocating the independence of Congo from foreign influences. However, his alliance with Paul Kagame during the war against Mobutu opened the floodgates to lasting tensions in the east of the DRC, still marked by ethnic conflicts and external interference. According to the 2023 report of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the DRC remains the country in the world where human rights violations are the most frequent due to the persistent violence in the east.
This paradox questions the effectiveness of his strategic vision. On the one hand, he sought to free his country from the grip of a dictator, but on the other, he allowed conflicts to develop whose repercussions are still felt today. This poses a fundamental dilemma: at what price can national independence really be acquired?
#### Contemporary Figures Test Kabila’s Legacy
Assessing Kabila’s legacy cannot be limited to past perspectives. Over the years, several Congolese leaders have attempted to align themselves with his image, while moving away from the pitfalls that characterized his reign. Félix Tshisekedi, the current president, advocates reconciliation and socio-economic development, thus distancing himself from coercive methods. This is evidenced by the “Rule of Law Fortnight” initiative launched in August 2023, aimed at promoting accessible and equitable justice.
However, moving towards a more peaceful future requires going back to the roots of conflicts and human rights violations. This implies acknowledging past mistakes while seeking to establish continuity in the commitment to democracy and the people.
#### The future of memories
The commemoration of assassinations and authoritarian regimes represents a challenge not only for historians, but also for civil society. The hope of many Kinshasa residents, such as Joe Bakutu or Arnold Malemo, is that the lessons learned from Kabila will help avoid the same mistakes today. Younger generations, whether through artistic or cultural events, are looking back on a complex past to chart a future that belongs to them.
In this light, the figure of Kabila must be questioned, not as an absolute idol, but as a historical character, full of contradictions, emancipatory in some aspects, limiting in others. This critical examination could become an essential key to overcoming the historical tensions between the ambition of sovereignty and geopolitical realities.
#### Conclusion
Laurent-Désiré Kabila remains an emblematic figure of the DRC. His legacy is shared between the admiration of his supporters and the criticism of his methods. As Kinshasa continues its work of reconciliation, it seems crucial to cultivate a memory that does not choose panegyric or rejection, but that strives to build a nuanced understanding of history. Only this approach will allow the Congolese to benefit from the lessons of the past while working towards a promising future.