HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, CONGO!

The heat was on for about 2 months… the roads were being repaired, shops, showrooms and supermarkets renovated and repainted, street lights fixed and added, flags of more than 50 countries mounted to adorn the masts lining the Boulevard road of Kinshasa. Reason? Cinquantenaire! To commemorate 50 years of independence of Congo. And, I must say, we experienced an important part of history by staying in Kinshasa on the 30th June, 2010.

Democratic Republic of Congo has come a long way since 30th June 1960, when its first Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba was elected. Inspite of playing a radical role in bringing about the independence of the country – the path was complicated and bloody – and being the most revered leader to his countrymen, Lumumba couldn’t enjoy the benefits of his success for more than a month. The reasons are many and plenty, and some accounts imply an international conspiracy... but it’s not my endeavor to explore that part of the water. As an expat staying in a country that has sustained us well for 3 years, I only want to rejoice in its progress and share the happiness around.

Independence Day to an Indian means waking up early, getting ready for school/office/factory to attend the flag-hoisting ceremony, singing the national anthem, and then relaxing the rest of the day. There isn’t much celebration to look forward to. Rather, our Republic Day is when we sit glued to the television sets to witness the saturnalia - the speeches made by our ministers, parades by the various regiments, gallantry awards, tableaus of the different states, display of old & new arms and ammunitions of the forces, and skilful performances by bicycle riders and aircrafts. They are a majestic sight to enjoy every year! The celebrations of 30th June in Kinshasa were more akin to this.

News had it that the President of Congo has invited Presidents of 10 neighboring countries and several African Heads of State and Government to be part of the Independence Day celebrations. Just out of curiosity, I switched to the local television channel around 10:30 am on the day and found them covering the stadium where the ceremony was to take place. It was a massive arrangement, and it was clear that the management had taken pains to organize the venue, Place Victoire, -really well. Thousands of Congolese men and women – I guess people of the various Government departments – had assembled at the venue, seated comfortably. By and by the Presidents of Belgium, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda… were escorted to their designated seats. The UN Secretary General, Ban-Ki-Moon and Belgium’s Queen, Paola also graced the occasion. As the camera roved, we spotted Ambika Soni, the Information and Broadcasting Minister from the Union Cabinet of India, seated amidst the delegates. Even outside the security ring, thousands of local people had gathered, waiting patiently for the historical moment.

When most of the invitees had assembled, His Excellency President Joseph Kabila Kasongo appeared, driven in his army jeep, preceded by his wife and daughter. The army chief gave various commands, while the President, standing tall in his jeep, proceeded slowly stopping at places to give honor salute the forces. When the President descended, and was escorted to his place in the stadium, the National Anthem was sung by a choir group at the podium. This was followed by the President’s inaugural speech, his greeting the delegates personally, and speeches by Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Alan Doss, the Pastor and other officials. This continued for 2 hours. Then began the civil and military parades by the various regiments – serving and retired military officials - and UN delegations. Rows of road repair vehicles, vintage cars, and canons were also part of the procession. It was beyond my expectation that so much had been rehearsed and reserved for the special day! By far, the Congolese appear to be lazy and in constant want of discipline… these performances belied any such characteristic. All this while, masses stood in the sun, displaying colourful umbrellas imprinted with “50.”

There have been mixed reactions from the local Congolese towards the festivities. Some feel that the progress of a country should begin with the development of its city, and in this regard the President has kept his word. For others (as per an article by a BBC Kinshasa correspondent), “a layer of paint will not give us bread or home!” To me, it was a nostalgic reminiscence of the Indian Republic Day – the similarity was irrefutable!