In the vibrant stadiums of Morocco
during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), one supporter stood
out—not through cheers or dances, but through profound silence and stillness.
Michel Kuka Mboladinga (also known as Nkuka Mboladinga or "Lumumba
Vea"), a dedicated DR Congo fan, became the tournament's most memorable
figure by posing motionless as a living replica of Patrice Lumumba's famous
statue in Kinshasa.
Dressed in sharp suits often
featuring the colors of the DR Congo flag (blue, yellow, and red), Mboladinga
elevated himself on a makeshift podium in the stands, raising his right arm
with palm open—just like the iconic memorial to Lumumba, the country's independence
hero and first prime minister.
The real Patrice Lumumba statue in Kinshasa that inspired the tribute:
He maintained this pose for the full
duration of every DR Congo match, including the epic round of 16 clash against
Algeria on January 6, 2026, where the Leopards fell 1-0 in extra time to a
119th-minute goal.
Who Is Patrice Lumumba and Why This Tribute Matters
Patrice Lumumba was a fierce
anti-colonial leader who played a key role in DR Congo's independence from
Belgium in 1960. His powerful independence speech condemned colonial
atrocities, inspiring pan-African unity. Tragically assassinated in 1961 with
involvement from Belgian and Western powers, Lumumba remains a symbol of
resistance against exploitation during one of history's most brutal colonial
eras under King Leopold II and Belgian rule.
Mboladinga's act revived Lumumba's
legacy for a new generation, turning football matches into moments of
historical reflection. His viral videos and photos sparked widespread
discussions on social media about anti-colonial heroes, with fans sharing
Lumumba's speeches and stories.
Viral
Fame and Cross-Continental Impact, Especially in North Africa
Hosted in Morocco, AFCON 2025
amplified Mboladinga's reach. Local fans cheered him enthusiastically, taking
selfies and forming protective circles around him. Media from Algeria, Egypt,
Tunisia, and Morocco covered his story extensively, often linking it to shared
anti-colonial histories—like Morocco's struggles against French and Spanish
rule.
Notably, Morocco honors Lumumba with
streets named after him, such as Avenue Patrice Lumumba in Rabat. This
connection helped bridge sub-Saharan and North African narratives, encouraging
deeper engagement with Black African liberation icons like Kwame Nkrumah and
Thomas Sankara.
The Heartbreaking Defeat – And the Controversy That Followed
After DR Congo's agonizing
extra-time elimination by Algeria, the stoic "human statue" finally
moved—breaking down in tears as his team exited the tournament. This emotional
image became one of AFCON 2025's most poignant symbols, humanizing his tribute
and resonating across the continent.
However, the joy of Algeria's
victory was marred by controversy. Algerian forward Mohamed Amoura
directly faced the stands where Mboladinga was positioned, raised his arm to
mimic the iconic pose, then dramatically dropped to the ground as if
collapsing—before celebrating with a fist pump. The gesture, seen as mocking
the heartbroken fan's tribute to a pan-African hero, quickly went viral and
ignited widespread outrage.
Critics highlighted the historical
irony: Lumumba had strongly supported Algeria's own independence struggle
against French colonialism. Journalists and fans accused Amoura of
disrespecting a symbol of shared African resistance, with many calling it
unsporting and insensitive. Additionally, Al Jazeera journalist Khadija
Benguenna faced backlash for a now-deleted post referring to the fan
derogatorily, further fueling accusations of insensitivity.
Amoura later apologized on
Instagram, explaining it was meant as light-hearted banter without realizing
the historical significance, expressing respect for DR Congo. The Algerian
federation reportedly invited Mboladinga for a reconciliatory meeting.
While some defended it as harmless
banter in the heat of victory, the incident dominated post-match discussions,
underscoring how Mboladinga's tribute transcended football—reminding everyone
of Africa's interconnected liberation histories, even amid rivalry.
In a tournament packed with on-pitch
drama, Mboladinga showed how sport can educate, unite, and preserve
history—though the mockery served as a stark reminder that respect should
extend beyond the final whistle. His stillness turned into a powerful voice for
remembrance, resistance, and African pride.