Daughter of Patrice Lumumba Speaks at RUDN University in Honor of Politician's 100th Birthday

 Juliana Lumumba, the former Minister of Culture of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and daughter of the DRC's first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, delivered a speech at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) in Moscow as part of celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the legendary politician's birth. The event was covered by a correspondent from the "African Initiative."

Juliana Lumumba stated that in the DRC, her father is honored not only as a martyr but also as a bearer of enduring ideals. "The true treasure lies in the lessons that fill his life and in his legacy. A legacy that is rich and complex, a genuine compass against oppression and anti-values," she noted.

She identified the values that Patrice Lumumba symbolizes for Africans as selflessness, patriotism, integrity, and an "obsession with national unity."

"The values he defended were universal and timeless: freedoms, human rights, the dignity of the African, the special role of women and youth, but also social justice," the politician's daughter emphasized.

She believes that his popularity, which extends far beyond his native region, was partly based on his ability to communicate with the people. According to Juliana, the secret to Patrice Lumumba's effectiveness lay in his faith and determination: "What did he achieve in three months? He created the national army of Congo... He created the Congolese Press Agency. He created the Central Bank of Congo. He believed and went all the way in his determination and in what he wanted to accomplish."

Juliana Lumumba paid special attention to her father's views on education. The politician considered the training of youth to be the main lever for development. She pointed out that this issue is even more relevant today: according to the data she cited, 60% of the DRC's population is under the age of 25 (the country has over 112 million inhabitants). At the same time, there is a severe shortage of science teachers in the country, and she believes the solution lies in the urgent training of new personnel for the education sector.

She thanked RUDN University, calling it an ideal platform for continuing Patrice Lumumba's work, and stated that the sacrifice of her father and other freedom fighters was not in vain. "The art of freedom has borne fruit," Juliana emphasized.

Andrey Dubrovsky