As the Africa Cup of Nations unfolds in Morocco, one supporter’s devotion has captured international attention for not simply cheering his team DR Congo, but for his striking tribute to one of Africa’s most revered historical figures: Patrice Lumumba.
The AFCON run may be over following DR Congo’s extra time loss to Algeria, but the memories of the fan lingers.
Motionless ‘Lumumba’ Tribute
In stadiums from the group stage through to the Round of 16, Michel Kuka Mboladinga nicknamed “Lumumba” or “Lumumba Vea” by fans stood completely motionless during DR Congo’s matches.
Dressed in suits depicting his national colours, he adopts a distinct pose: standing tall with his right arm raised and gaze upward, mirroring the pose of the iconic Patrice Lumumba statue in Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo.
He remains in this stance for the entire duration of each game, including lengthy extra time, a remarkable feat which has drawn both admiration and viral attention on social media.
Mboladinga’s tribute first went viral during a group-stage match notably when DR Congo played Senegal where he stood perfectly still throughout the 90 minutes, arm raised in solemn salute.
He repeated the ritual as DR Congo progressed, including in the Round of 16 against Algeria, a dramatic encounter that went into extra time before DR Congo conceded a late goal in the 119th minute and exited the tournament. He could be seen in tears after the winning goal went in.
Patrice Lumumba
Patrice Lumumba, DR Congo’s first prime minister following independence in 1960 is widely regarded as a symbol of African self-determination and resistance to colonial rule. His leadership was brief as he was assassinated in 1961 amid geopolitical turmoil shortly after independence. His legacy endures as a representation of dignity, unity and anti-colonial struggle.
By emulating Lumumba’s statue, Mboladinga is not only backing his national team, but also invoking the historical and emotional narrative of his country’s fight for freedom and identity. He has described his motivation as a way to “stay strong for the team and pass energy to the players,”