The family of Emery Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s first Prime Minister and national hero, has decided to boycott the 64th-anniversary commemoration of his assassination, organized by the state.
On Friday, January 17, 2025, the Congolese National News Agency reported that Roland Lumumba, son of the revered leader, announced the family’s decision, citing the government’s alleged disregard for Lumumba’s grave as the reason.
Speaking to the agency, Roland Lumumba said:
“We will not participate in any event related to the commemoration of this country’s hero, Patrice Lumumba. We know that my father’s grave has been disrespected by the government. As Christians, we will hold a private memorial mass at home.”
The Vandalized National Hero’s Mausoleum
The resting place of Patrice Lumumba, located at Place de l’Echangeur de Limete in Kinshasa, was vandalized on December 19, 2024. Reports state that the glass panels of the mausoleum were shattered by unknown perpetrators.
The Lumumba family accuses the government of failing to conduct a thorough investigation into this disgraceful act. Although six individuals were arrested in connection with the vandalism, others believed to have ties to President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration remain at large. Meanwhile, those detained have claimed they are innocent and were wrongfully accused.
A Divided Memorial
While the Lumumba family holds a private mass at home, the Congolese people nationwide continue to observe January 17 as the day to honor Patrice Lumumba, who was tragically killed in 1961.
The situation has reignited debates over the government’s role in safeguarding national heritage and addressing concerns raised by the Lumumba family.
