Patrice Lumumba, born on July 2, 1925, in Onalua, Belgian Congo, is an iconic figure in the struggle for the independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, embodying the aspirations of a people seeking freedom and dignity in the face of colonial oppression. He is regarded as a charismatic figure and a fervent advocate of pan-Africanism, leader of the Congolese National Movement (MNC), Patrice Lumumba was a staunch defender of Congo's independence. His political rise culminated in his election as Prime Minister after the May 1960 elections. The life of Patrice Lumumba as Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo is a vibrant tale of hope, struggle, and sacrifice. Born in a Congo still under Belgian colonial rule, Lumumba emerged as a charismatic and determined figure, embodying the aspirations of a people thirsty for freedom and dignity. [1]

Assassination of Patrice Lumumba: A Common Legacy Towards a Shared Future

The assassination of Patrice Lumumba on January 17, 1961, profoundly marked the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and had international repercussions, notably in China. Lumumba became a symbol of the struggle against imperialism and neocolonialism, and his legacy was fervently celebrated in China, where he was seen as a martyr for the cause of African emancipation. This admiration for Lumumba not only shaped the collective memory in China but also influenced the bilateral relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and China. [2]

The Impact of Lumumba's Assassination in China

After Lumumba's death, China organized significant demonstrations to honor his memory. These events gathered more than a million people at Culdemane Square, a symbolic place of communist power in China. The Chinese Prime Minister, Chou En-Lai, delivered an eloquent speech in tribute to Lumumba, highlighting his crucial role in the struggle for the dignity and freedom of African peoples. Lumumba was described as a victim of imperialists, asserting that his legacy was valuable for the relations between China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This popular support reinforced Lumumba's image as a hero not only for the Congo but also for all African countries seeking independence.

The protests in China were also accompanied by an intense artistic production celebrating Lumumba. Poems, caricatures, and artworks emerged, reflecting China's commitment to supporting anti-colonial struggles across the continent. This period marked a turning point in Sino-African relations, where Lumumba's figure became emblematic of a new era of solidarity between post-colonial nations. [3]

Sino-Congolese Relations: A History of Cooperation

The cooperation between the DRC and China dates back several decades. After the independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mobutu Sese Seko made his first trip to China in January 1967, marking the beginning of a collaboration that intensified over the years. The DRC has benefited from numerous infrastructures built with Chinese assistance, including the Martyrs Stadium and the People's Palace, as well as projects in the agricultural and medical fields. This initial partnership allowed Mobutu to strengthen his position on the international stage while developing the country's economic capabilities.

Under the presidency of Laurent-Désiré Kabila, although cooperation projects with China were not fully realized due to various internal obstacles, continuity in diplomatic relations was maintained. Kabila expressed his desire to establish stronger ties with China, recognizing the strategic importance of this relationship for the economic development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, it was under Joseph Kabila that Sino-Congolese cooperation took on a new dimension with the addition of mineral resources and other forms of assistance.[4]

A Shared Vision for the Future: President Félix Tshisekedi Continues This Momentum

President Félix Tshisekedi continues this momentum during his recent visits in 2024, emphasizing the importance of Sino-Congolese cooperation in the industrial development of the DRC. He expressed his gratitude to China for its continued support and willingness to accompany the country in its quest for economic emancipation. This cooperation is seen as an essential path to transform the DRC and improve the well-being of its population. Indeed, Tshisekedi also highlighted the opportunities offered by Congolese natural resources within the framework of strengthened cooperation with China. The Congolese president aspires to make his country a key player in the global mineral resources market while ensuring that these riches directly benefit the Congolese people through local industrialization projects.

During the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in September 2024 in Beijing, President Félix Tshisekedi had the honor of being the first African president to be received one-on-one by Chinese President Xi Jinping. This historic meeting not only marked a turning point in bilateral relations but also highlighted China's commitment to Africa and its desire to strengthen ties with nations like the DRC. Tshisekedi took this opportunity to discuss Chinese investment projects in the DRC, including a memorandum of understanding worth 500 million USD for industrial development, thus illustrating the shared ambitions of both countries in their quest for mutual growth and prosperity. [5]

Ambassador François Balumuene: A Key Player in Strengthening Bilateral Ties between China and the DRC

Ambassador François Balumuene plays a crucial role in the development of Sino-Congolese relations. Appointed in October 2021, Balumuene is recognized for his commitment to improving economic exchanges between the two nations. His recent visit to Zijin Mining demonstrates his dedication to promoting Congolese interests in investment and local resource transformation.

Balumuene emphasizes the importance of further integrating the DRC into global value chains to ensure responsible and beneficial exploitation for the Congolese people. His advocacy for cooperation focused on local mineral processing highlights the evolving Congolese expectations towards foreign partners.[6]

President Xi Jinping's Vision on Sino-Congolese Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping considers cooperation with the DRC as a key element of his strategy to strengthen Sino-African relations. During his exchanges with President Tshisekedi, President Xi reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable development and industrialization in Africa while respecting national sovereignty. This approach promotes a partnership based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.

President Xi Jinping also sees this cooperation as an opportunity to expand Chinese influence while supporting African aspirations for sustainable development. By further integrating Congolese interests into his projects, Xi seeks to establish a win-win relationship that could serve as an example for other Sino-African partnerships.[7]