Politis

Congo Fan Stands as Statue Honoring Lumumba at AFCON

Published December 31, 2025, 16:18
Congo Fan Stands as Statue Honoring Lumumba at AFCON

A fan of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been attracting attention at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), standing motionless like a statue during each of his team's matches, in honor of Patrice Lumumba, the country's first prime minister who was assassinated in 1961. Michel Kuka Bolandinga, dressed similarly to Lumumba, sets up a makeshift pedestal in the stands and adopts the iconic pose of Lumumba from a statue in Kinshasa, the country's capital. His act, which has earned him the nickname “Lumumba,” has become a symbol of tribute and remembrance for the politician. Despite lengthy delays in one match, Bolandinga remained still until the very end, and will continue to do so in the tournament's subsequent rounds, where his team will face Algeria.