Côte d’Ivoire: National mourning after the death of Bédié and the issues of succession within the PDCI

Côte d’Ivoire is in mourning following the death of former President Henri Konan Bédié. The country has declared a ten-day national mourning to honor his memory. Within the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), meetings were held to discuss Bédié’s succession and funeral. A new interim president has been appointed, but the question of succession remains open. The next party congress will be crucial in deciding which direction to take. Some fear a breakup of the party due to differences of opinion. The appointment of a new president and a new executive secretary is essential to ensure the continuity of the PDCI. The succession of Bédié will have a significant impact on Ivorian politics and its positioning. The country is going through a period of significant political transition in its history.

“The death of Henri Konan Bédié plunges Daoukro into deep mourning”

The city of Daoukro mourns the loss of former President Henri Konan Bédié, who died recently. Nicknamed the “baobab”, Bédié occupied a central place in the life of the community. Despite past ethnic tensions, mourning has united the people of Daoukro. The city, which was the historic stronghold of Bédié, is now preparing to pay a last tribute to its “dad”. The funeral ceremonies will allow everyone to come together and say goodbye to this emblematic political leader.

On June 4, Commemoration of the 1969 student movement in Kinshasa in the DRC: A look back at a historic march that marked the history of the country.

This article deals with the commemoration of the 1969 student movement in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, initiated by students to demand freedom, Africanization and the abolition of dictatorship. Unfortunately, the demonstration was violently repressed by the soldiers, and several students were injured and killed. 54 years later, the socio-economic and political situation is still unstable in the DRC, but the hope for peace and stability is recalled by events such as the visit of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle to Goma and the FIFA Cup. Africa of the TotalEnergies Nations in 2024.

“Let’s remember: 54 years ago, these students in the Congo sacrificed their lives for freedom”

This article is about the Kinshasa protest 54 years ago where students fought for freedom and the abolition of dictatorship, but were killed. The account highlights one of the leaders of this demonstration, Mwamba Symphorien, who, with his friends, led the march until the soldiers fired on the demonstrators. The author emphasizes the need to remember this sacrifice and never forget the importance of defending the values ​​of freedom.

DRC intelligence reform: New appointments raise expectations for positive change

The recent change in management of the intelligence services in the Democratic Republic of Congo raises questions about the will to reform these sensitive institutions. The new leaders have the opportunity to make history by redefining the role of the intelligence services in a democratic context. A profound reform is necessary, with a new law guaranteeing the transparency of recruitment and the excellence of services. The success of these new leaders will be decisive for the political action of the President and for the security of the State and its citizens.

“Lumumba, the return of a hero”: a poignant documentary on the commemoration of Patrice Lumumba.

The documentary film “Lumumba, the return of a hero” produced by Benoît Feyt, Dieudo Hamadi and Quentin Noirfalisse will premiere on June 8 at the Vendôme cinema in Ixelles, Belgium. This documentary recounts the commemorative celebration of Patrice Lumumba and his close collaborators assassinated in 1961, with interviews and archive footage. The film also makes it possible to retrace the luminous journey of Patrice Lumumba, born in the center of the DRC, until his assassination and the reasons for which his assassination remains unpunished. A meeting will be organized with the directors to discuss the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the consequences of Lumumba’s assassination.

“Lumumba, the return of a hero: a poignant documentary on the impact of the assassination of Patrice Lumumba”.

The documentary “Lumumba, the return of a hero” will premiere on June 8, 2023 at the Cinéma Vendôme in Ixelles, Belgium. The film focuses on Congolese independence and the remains of Patrice Lumumba, Prime Minister assassinated in 1961 whose disappearance of his remains remains a mystery. The documentary also follows the children of Lumumba as well as current political aspects in the DRC.

“54 years on, let’s not forget the Lovanium University student uprising for academic independence and Africanization”

This article pays tribute to the student uprising at Lovanium University in 1969 who fought for the abolition of colonial traditions and freedom. The struggle was marked by significant human losses, but their movement was a turning point in the country’s history. Fatshi Metrie’s blog also addresses the current state of Congo, marked by political, economic and security challenges. Finally, the article highlights the importance of never forgetting the Lovanium students’ fight for freedom.

“Congolese genocide: remembering and acting for justice and peace”

The Congolese Genocide is commemorated every year on August 2 to honor the millions of victims who lost their lives in the tragic conflicts that marked the history of the Congo. The choice of this symbolic date marks the beginning of the Second Congo War in 1998. This conflict, known as the “African World War”, left more than 6 million dead and millions of Congolese suffered inhuman violence. . Despite the official end of the war in 2003, Congolese continue to be victimized by militias. It is important to qualify these tragedies as genocide, because they correspond to the international definition of this term. Faced with the inertia of the international community, it is up to the Congolese to take matters into their own hands and seek solutions to obtain justice and peace in the country. Keeping the memory of these tragic events alive is essential to prevent such an atrocity from happening again and to pay tribute to the victims. The duty of memory is also a way of working for a better Congo, where peace and justice will finally prevail.

“Lumumba, the return of a hero: discover the documentary which traces the history of the Congolese icon”

The documentary Lumumba, the return of a hero, directed by Benoît Feyt, Dieudo Hamadi and Quentin Noirfalisse, talks about Patrice Lumumba, former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The film chronicles the celebrations of the official restitution of Lumumba’s remains, as well as his story from his childhood to his assassination in 1961. The Vendôme cinema, in Ixelles, Belgium, is hosting the film’s preview on Thursday, June 8 ; a meeting with the directors will follow the screening. Lumumba, the return of a hero is a documentary not to be missed for lovers of African history, in particular that of the DRC.