‘I am a living statue’: How DR Congo’s most famous soccer fan is keeping Patrice Lumumba’s legacy alive

During the Democratic Republic of Congo’s matches, you might see a man standing with a saluting gesture for the entirety of ...

Viral at FIFA World Cup: The story of DR Congo’s ‘living statue’ and the leader he stands for

A motionless fan supporting DR Congo at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has everyone talking. Known as ‘Lumumba Vea’, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga pays tribute to Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s first prime minister. Her ...
The Nation Newspaper

Patrice Lumumba in his own words

“I salute you in the name of the Congolese Government. “I ask all of you, my friends, who tirelessly fought in our ranks, to mark this June 30, 1960, as an illustrious date that will be ever engraved ...

The Story Behind the Best Dressed Member of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s World Cup Delegation

Michel Kuka Mboladinga has become famous amongst Congolese soccer fans for mimicking a statue of the late Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba.
standardmedia.co.ke

Sixty years since historic Lumumba speech launched Congo independence

Seen here in 1960, Patrice Lumumba had two and half months as prime minister before being ousted and executed in January 1961. [AFP] When the Democratic Republic of Congo celebrates 60 years of ...
Barron's

Patrice Lumumba: Congolese Anti-colonial Icon Who Angered Belgian King

Congolese independence hero Patrice Emery Lumumba shot to fame on June 30, 1960 with a blistering independence speech against former colonial power Belgium, but ended up being executed by opponents ...
insider.si.edu

Patrice Lumumba / compiled by Leo Zeilig

"Patrice Lumumba, an icon of liberation for the Congo and the continent, was assassinated by the Belgians in 1961. He represented a short but realistic ray of hope for true African democracy. His ...