Bon anniversaire, RDC
What we wanted for our country, its right to an honourable life, to a spotless dignity, to independence without restrictions, was never desired by the Belgian imperialists and their Western allies...Dead or alive, free or in prison on the orders of the colonialists, it is not myself that counts. It is the Congo, it is our poor people, whose independence has been transformed into a cage, from whose confines the outside world looks on us. To my children whom I leave and whom I may never see again, I would like them to be told that it is for them, as it is for every Congolese, to accomplish the sacred task of reconstructing our independence and our sovereignty, for without dignity there is no liberty, without justice there is no dignity, and without independence there are no free men.
- Patrice Émery Lumumba, first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Today, the Democratic Republic of Congo, an extraordinary, tormented land where, in many ways, all the hopes and tragedies of post-colonial Africa have been most vividly played out, marks 66 years of independence. It is a place that made as deep an impression on my as anywhere I’ve ever worked as a journalist, and led me to write my second book, The Democratic Republic of Congo: Between Hope and Despair (Zed Books, 2013) .
If, as a reporter or an academic or simply as a person who wants to understand more about the struggle for human freedom, you have the chance, I urge you to visit DR Congo and to listen to the people there. Not only will you learn a lot about DRC, but you will learn about wider Africa through their words and the majesty of the country - the lush forests, mist-shrouded mountains, churning rivers, broad savanna, the joyous music, the stunning visual art, the openness and warmth of the people despite it all - will impress you deeply.
Bon anniversaire, DR Congo, despite it all you endure. May your next 66 years be kinder to you.
MD