DRC: Independences, the days after

Audio 48:30

Congolese children celebrating the independence of the country, the day after the proclamation of June 30, 1960. Getty images / Bettmann

By: Céline Develay Mazurelle

In sixty years, the current Democratic Republic of Congo will have often changed its name, a sign of a tumultuous history. From the first weeks of its independence, the country experienced the assassination of its Prime Minister, while being undermined by the secession of its wealthiest provinces. Thirty-two years of mobutism (1965-1997) followed, before the return to conflicts and instability from which the country had not yet emerged.

Publicity

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the country's independence proclaimed on June 30, 1960, Vladimir Cagnolari tells us this story, from Kinshasa to Kisangani, in the company of those who lived it, including our colleagues from the Congolese national radio , who were witnesses and actors. In doing so, he makes us hear their hopes, their disillusions, but also their formidable capacities to resist difficulties, while continuing to dream… 
A fresco where testimonies, reports, archives and music respond to each other and accompany us on a journey through time , between political and popular history, voice of the people and that of the great political figures. 

This first episode is part of the 3-part series " Independence, the days after " proposed by So far so close, imagined by Vladimir Cagnolari and produced by Laure Allary.

To read:
"Congo, A story". David Van Reybrouck. Éditions Actes Sud 2012. Prix Medicis Essais
"June 30, 1960, when Congo's independence is written in music" on Pan African Music, a site for cultural information related to the African continent and its diasporas.

To listen to:
- The two episodes of “Brussels the African”, radio series by Elise Picon for So far so close
- The report “Are we there? ", At Papa Rovensky's home in Kisangani
- The compilation" Ngoma, Souvenir ya independence, Popular African Music ", available on online music platforms.

Patrice Lumumba, hero and martyr of the country's independence. Getty images / Bettmann

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