DR Congo’s 2021 stamps honoured Patrice Lumumba, Congolese politician and independence leader. The 4 stamp set offers a portrait of Lumumba at various stages of his career, including the days leading up to his murder. This is the first stamp to come out of the Congo in 7 years and it is a poignant one. 

“Lumumba represents the symbol of unity in the Congo, … Moreover, he is the hero of independence.” Francois Lumumba, Patrice Lumumba’s eldest son.

A good starting point in understanding Patrice Lumumba’s place in history is this CBC documentary. It’s in English and will give you a broad overview of events around Congo independence and Lumumba’s role. Pay special attention to the Independence ceremonies at 7:25.  This was a key moment in modern DR Congo’s future. 

To gain an understanding of the complexities behind Congo independence, Patrice’s speech and modern Congolese events, you have to dig into the history of the region and the horrific genocide brought onto the people. King Leopold’s Ghost by Adam Hochschild (Published 1999) is an approachable and intelligent look at the colonization of the Congo and it’s devastating effects. 

From there move on to this article Unfinished history: 60 years after the murder of DRC hero, Lumumba (vanguardngr.com). It’s a decent primer on the events of 1961 from the Nigerian daily newspaper Vanguard.

I’m currently reading 50 Years ago the Assassination of Patrice Lumumba.  You can download it free. 

For further context, try these links. 

Slain independence hero Lumumba’s last remains to return home | CGTN Africa

Any Justice For The Children After The Brutal Murder Of Lumumba? (modernghana.com) 

The chilling details of Patrice Lumumba’s assassination and how he was dissolved in acid – Face2Face Africa 

Please drop links to new articles about the Congo and Lumumba in the comments below. I’d also appreciate it if you could share any  African sources about the history, culture and literature from the Congo. I had a politics professor who stressed over and over, it is important to read the local writers, not just 3rd hand sources. If you wanted to understand a country’s politics, look to what the people within that country are saying. 

 National Heroes – Patrice Lumumba

4 stamps, souvenir sheet

Designer: no designer is listed.

Release date: June 30, 2021

More articles can be found here Stamps by country 2021

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