"Locals gathered at the mausoleum of Patrice Emery Lumumba in central Kinshasa on Saturday to mark the 65th anniversary of the assassination of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's first prime minister, a leading figure in African independence and Pan-Africanism. Footage shows residents taking photographs, cheering and attending cultural events, with officials also in attendance. An exhibition of paintings dedicated to Lumumba could also be seen near the monument. "Lumumba represents the first instance of the fight against neocolonialism and Pan-Africanism. Lumumba fought for African unity," proclaimed Philippe Buyck, organiser of the Congo History Exhibition. "For me, Lumumba represents the light of African revolutionaries, the light of the one who said 'No' to degrading and shameful capitalism, who fought so that our people could obtain their dignity and full independence," shared Lumumbist Cicero Owamba. He persisted, "Lumumba fought for the self-determination of the people, self-reliance, human dignity, human freedom, and social justice. National unity and the exaltation of our nation's greatness." Godefroid Mayobo, Senior Official of the Lumumbist Party, remarked that the circumstances of Lumumba's death were 'atrocious', adding, "We have decided to establish commemorations to remember what he did and to demonstrate our commitment to his vision and his struggle." The gathering brought together activists, artists, political figures and residents, with performances by Lumumba look-alikes, contemporary art exhibitions retracing his life and ideology, and public discussions. Lumumba was assassinated in January 1961, just months after leading Congo to independence from Belgium, after being detained by political rivals with Belgian involvement amid fears over his anti-colonial policies and Cold War alignments."