Kinshasa, 30th June 2022 (TDI): The Democratic Republic of Congo celebrates its 62nd anniversary of independence to commemorate its liberation from Belgium on June 30, 1960, following decades of colonial rule.
At this event, Congolese President Felix Tshiskedi and the Congolese people were recipients of a number of high-level congratulatory messages from the White House, the UK, and other African countries.
Following its independence, the Congolese people elected the leader of the independence movement, Patrice Lumumba, as the country’s Prime Minister.
However, Lumumba was assassinated in 1961. A gold-capped tooth was the only relic of Lumumba. The Belgian officials kept the tooth for decades.
Nevertheless, earlier this month, King Phillipe of Belgium expressed regret over Belgium’s abuse of Congo in the colonial era.
Moreover, Belgium subsequently returned the tooth to Congo for citizens to honor the national hero. Therefore, a special ceremony interring his remains at a specially built mausoleum took place at Kinshasa on the 62nd Independence Day.
Belgium’s parliament is also weighing a law that will create a proper legal framework for the restitution of Colonial-era artifacts to its former colonies.
The Political Situation of the Country Since Independence
The Democratic Republic of Congo has witnessed a series of undemocratic governments following Lumumba’s assassination resultingly causing the country’s years of political turmoil.
Over the years, it had adopted three different constitutions, amended them, and witnessed delayed elections.
The country witnessed its first peaceful power transition in 2018. Afterward, since coming to power, President Felix Tshiskedi has helped in consolidating authority in the country.
Meanwhile, President Felix has also been working on diminishing the influence of past politics.
It is anticipated that the Democratic Republic of Congo will improve the trajectory of its politics.
Following its receiving of the current leadership of the Chairperson of the African Union, DR Congo is making more progress.
Furthermore, the country has expressed commitments toward Covid-19 and public health threats, climate change, peace, and security across the continent.
