### Lumumba’s Memory: A Tribute to National Resilience
On January 17, 2025, South Kivu vibrated to the rhythm of a poignant tribute to Patrice Emery Lumumba, the very first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This event, marked by ceremonies marked by patriotism, also served as a platform for a call for solidarity with the defense and security forces, dedicated to protecting the nation. But behind this memory lies a story of struggle, resistance and contemporary challenges that require deeper reflection.
**Lumumba’s Memory: A Symbol of Struggle and Identity**
Lumumba, an emblematic figure of Congolese independence, is not only recognized for his political role, but also for his message of unity and national dignity. Governor Jean Jacques Purusi, in his speech at the bust of Lumumba, recalls the need to give meaning to his legacy. The commemoration of soldiers and police officers, who sacrifice everything for the homeland, illustrates a continuity with Lumumba’s ideals: freedom, justice and solidarity. But this link must be understood in the current context, where the DRC faces major security challenges, particularly in the east of the country.
### The Centrality of Security Forces in Patriotic Discourse
Governor Purusi placed particular emphasis on the heroism of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the Congolese National Police (PNC). In doing so, he evokes a reality often hidden in public discourse: the duality between the glorification of heroes of the past and the sacrifices of today’s heroes. Young soldiers, often from precarious backgrounds, defend their country in the face of complex challenges, while being confronted with a crisis of confidence in the State. The governor’s tribute must therefore also question the living conditions of these men and women who are fighting on the ground.
### The Call for Transparency: A Major Challenge
In his speech, Purusi expressed his commitment to transparent governance, particularly in the natural resources sector. This sector, vital to the Congolese economy, is often marred by corruption and opacity. The lack of clarity in the management of mineral resources has serious repercussions on the daily lives of populations, who continue to live in poverty despite the wealth of their country. In terms of transparency and good governance, the challenge is all the greater because it takes place in a context where mineral resources are combined with conflicts of interest.
### Memory and Heritage Issues
Lumumba’s family, through its call for concrete results concerning the investigations into the desecration of his mausoleum, recalls how much the past still has an imprint on the present. Memory is a vector for valuing struggles and injustices, but it also calls for a questioning of the status quo. Indeed, this need for transparency and exemplarity in the management of public affairs becomes legitimate when we consider the weight of history and the expectations of a population always in search of justice.
### Towards a Collective Reflection
It is imperative that celebrations of figures like Lumumba are not limited to formal tributes, but open the way to a collective reflection on the responsibility of each person towards the nation. The call for unity and patriotism must be accompanied by concrete actions: improving the conditions of soldiers, strengthening transparency in the management of resources, and ensuring that the struggle for the independence and dignity of the Congo continues in daily political actions.
In short, the memory of Lumumba is much more than a commemoration. It is an opportunity to explore how the values of the past can inform our present and guide our future. As the Governor pointed out, everyone has a role to play in building a nation that honors the sacrifices of yesterday while forging a path toward just and inclusive governance. The DRC carries within it these contradictions, but also a great human wealth capable of transforming these challenges into opportunities.