Laurent Kabila Heroes’ Day in Congo-Kinshasa
Congo-Kinshasa marks January 16 as the National Hero Laurent-Désiré Kabila Day, a legal public holiday tied to the assassination of the country’s former president in 2001. The date is also used for official tributes and religious services in his memory.[1][2][3]
Legal status and date
The 2023 presidential ordinance lists January 16 as the “Day of National Hero Laurent Désiré Kabila” among the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s legal public holidays. The Labour Code says remuneration is due for legal holidays, while the ordinance provides for the day off when a listed holiday falls on Sunday.[1][2]
When a legal holiday falls on a Sunday, the related leave is taken on the preceding day.[1]
Why the day is observed
The date recalls Laurent-Désiré Kabila’s assassination on January 16, 2001. The Congolese presidency’s biography records that he was killed by his bodyguard and notes that he was locally known as Mzee, a Swahili term it translates as “the old man” or “the wise one.”[3]
The day’s official title honors Kabila as a national hero. It is a Congolese public commemoration rooted in the country’s own political history, rather than a holiday shared internationally.[1][3]
Commemorations in Congo-Kinshasa
Reported observances have included interreligious services, official attendance, personal reflection at Kabila’s mausoleum, and the laying of a wreath. At a 2021 service in Kinshasa, leaders and religious representatives from several Christian communities took part, and the president laid a wreath at the mausoleum.[4]
Commemoration has also been reported beyond Kinshasa. In 2015, services took place in Matadi and Kindu, while young people in Bukavu held a discussion event.[5]
Practical planning
The law establishes the date as a legal holiday, and the Labour Code states that workers’ remuneration is due for legal holidays. Check opening hours and arrangements with the specific bank, shop, transport provider or service before you go.[1][2]
Visitors going to a memorial site should confirm access and local arrangements directly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Laurent Kabila Heroes’ Day a public holiday?
Yes. The 2023 ordinance lists January 16 as a legal public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[1]
What does the day commemorate?
Where have commemorative events been held?
Will banks, shops, and transport services be open?
Check opening hours with the relevant bank, shop or transport provider before you travel.
What happens if January 16 falls on a Sunday?
The ordinance says the related leave is taken on the preceding day when a legal holiday falls on a Sunday.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Anniversary of President Laurent Kabila in Congo - Kinshasa:
- 30 mars 2023. - Ordonnance n° 23-042 fixant la liste des jours fériés légaux en République démocratique du Congo- Journal officiel de la République démocratique du Congo / Droit Congolais
- LOI 2002 PORTANT CODE DU TRAVAIL- Legali
- Présidence RDC- Présidence de la République démocratique du Congo
- Le Président Félix Tshisekedi au culte du 20ème anniversaire de l'assassinat de Mzee Laurent Désiré Kabila- Agence Congolaise de Presse (ACP)
- Kinshasa: une messe d'action de grâce en mémoire de Laurent-Désiré Kabila- Radio Okapi