DRC: President Tshisekedi at the last tribute ceremony to Patrice Lumumba
Patrice Lumumba's coffin carried by Congolese soldiers to the People's Palace.
June 27, 2022. AFP - ARSENE MPIANA
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
On this anniversary of independence, the nine-day pilgrimage which retraced the highlights of the life of Patrice Lumumba ends in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
His last relic, a tooth, that is to say all that remains of the body of the hero of independence, has just been buried, in the presence of President Félix Tshisekedi, in the mausoleum built at the Limete interchange. on the road that leads to Kinshasa airport.
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With our special correspondent in Kinshasa
,
Paulina Zidi
The ceremony took place in the presence of the family, and Congolese officials including President Félix Tshisekedi.
His counterpart, Denis Sassou Ngusso, had crossed the river for the occasion, he was there too.
The important moment of
this ceremony
was the speech of the Lumumba family.
Very strong speeches from three of Patrice Lumumba's grandchildren.
These deniers were followed during this entire trip of restitution, and their immersion in the Congo totally nourished their speeches.
"
What a joy to meet again on this symbolic day
", "
It is a victorious stage in the fight of our parents
".
A speech also to talk about this third generation of Lumumba, this youth who describes themselves as Congolese, but more broadly pan-African, “
beyond ethnic and political groups
”.
Speech by Felix Tshisekedi
A family speech that ended with a message from Nyema Lumumba to her grandfather, a text that she wanted as a response to this testament letter written more than 61 years ago by
Patrice Lumumba
just before to die, addressed to his companion Pauline.
President Félix Tshisekedi also spoke.
A speech expected since the Head of State had not yet spoken since the start of this restitution ten days ago.
He wished a good return to the national hero and was pleased to finally be able to offer him a burial.
“
It is the lifting of a mourning that began 61 years ago.
»
The President thanked Belgium for having established the truth about this tragic assassination.
"
It is only with the truth and when we have established responsibilities that we can move towards forgiveness, justice and definitive reconciliation
", concluded the Congolese head of state.
#RDC: On the feet of the exchanger in #Limete takes place, the most beautiful and the most historic of the celebrations of our independence.
As he scored on Thursday, June 30, 1960, he scores again this Thursday, June 30, 2022. #Lumumba, national hero who will now rest in peace.
pic.twitter.com/Ex8DtMhcQD
— Patrick Muyaya (@PatrickMuyaya) June 30, 2022
►
To read also: More than 61 years after his death, the funeral of Patrice Lumumba for Independence Day
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ground floor
Patrice Lumumba
Felix Tshisekedi