The Congolese National Assembly recently voted in favor of two legislative proposals which are sparking lively debate in the country. These are the law on the National Order of National Heroes and that on the National Order of Leopards. Initiated by André Mbata, 1st vice-president of the National Assembly, these laws were overwhelmingly adopted by the deputies present during the plenary session.
These proposed laws aim to fill a legal void and allow other Congolese personalities to access the status of national heroes, in the same way as emblematic figures such as Kabila and Lumumba. According to André Mbata, it is important to recognize and celebrate other personalities who have marked the history of Congo and contributed to its development.
Among the personalities mentioned to be elevated to the rank of national heroes are historical figures such as the 17th century NeKongo prophetess Kimpa Vita, the prophet Simon Kimbangu as well as the historic Congolese opponent Etienne Tshisekedi. These personalities played a major role in the fight for the independence of the country and the defense of the rights of the Congolese people.
The bill was approved by a large majority in the National Assembly and will now be sent to the Senate for a second reading. If it is definitively adopted, this will pave the way for new honorary distinctions for Congolese national heroes.
This decision by the National Assembly provokes various reactions within Congolese society. Some welcome this initiative as deserved recognition for personalities often unknown to the general public, while others raise questions about the selection criteria and the objectivity of these honorary distinctions.
Regardless, this bill marks an important step in the recognition and commemoration of key figures in Congolese history. It also demonstrates the desire to pay tribute to those who contributed to the construction and development of the country. It remains to be seen how this new legislation will be implemented and which personalities will be recognized as national heroes in the years to come.