54 years ago, students from Lovanium University, ISP Gombe, INBTP, IPN, INA and other higher institutes in Kinshasa stood up to demand freedom, Africanization and the abolition of dictatorship, four years after the 1965 coup and two years after the establishment of the single party. Moments later, scuffles broke out during the march, resulting in several injured and dead among the demonstrators. Mwamba Symphorien, a famous theater actor and committed student, was among the victims and since then, families and universities are still in mourning.
Despite the passage of time, the student movement remains a hot topic. Today, the DRC continues to face significant challenges, such as intercommunal violence and banditry, the need to guarantee the security of its population, the consolidation of peace, the creation of infrastructure to boost its economy , or the importance of harmonizing investment projects.
In addition, the application of subcontracting rules in certain sectors, particularly in the brewing sector, is at the center of the country’s concerns.
However, despite these many challenges, the country does not seem to be able to face all its challenges. Many politicians are subject to accusations and mysteries still hover around certain decisions.
Faced with this situation, it is important to remember that citizen mobilization can help to move things forward. As was the case more than half a century ago with the students of Kinshasa, who stood up for freedom and democracy.
Thus, the memory of Mwamba Symphorien, who fell 54 years ago during the march for freedom, must continue to inspire us to build a fairer and more equitable society.