Remembering Patrice Lumumba
By African Centre, Ukraine
A documentary film on Patrice Lumumba was shown in commemoration of the 52nd anniversary of his assassination. Participants discussed his vision, thoughts and aspirations for a better Congo and a progressive Africa; and to what extent they have been realized.
They also discussed the circumstances of the murder of this great and zealous visionary of D. R. Congo and, arguably, Africa generally.
They deplored the insidious conspiracies and barbaric acts that have proved detrimental to D. R. Congo and its people.
At the same time, participants expressed regret at the conduct of Lumumba’s political contemporaries for abetting, betraying and going to the extent of taking his life.
Taking a look at the state of affairs, participants were at pains to observe the slow pace of development. Unfortunately, this is at variance with the forethoughts of the predecessors and expectations of the people.
They appealed to Congolese politicians, policy-makers and people to overcome witch-hunts but do more to improve living standards of the people.
They urge the young generation to follow the good paths of the predecessors, positive impact makers.
They also appealed to African governments/politicians, policy-makers and people to place the interests of the citizenry above personal interests, avoid political and other witch-hunts, overcome inter-tribal conflicts, encourage diversity and a more progressive, all-inclusive social and cross-cultural direction; to do more to improve living standards of the people and to realize the aspiration of a better Africa.
Similar meetings were held in other cities including Kharkov and Donetsk.
The African communities voted Patrice Lumumba as one of the inspiring heroes/impact makers for 2012/2013.
As part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union), African Center has declared 2013 as a year for celebrating African heroes and impact makers.
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