Patrice Emery Lumumba Day in Congo - Kinshasa
Patrice Emery Lumumba Day is a legal public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, observed on January 17. It commemorates the country’s first prime minister and a national hero whose killing on that date in 1961 is remembered as part of the country’s history of independence and national unity.[1][3][4]
Legal status and date
The 2023 ordinance listing the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s legal public holidays names January 17 as the National Hero Patrice Emery Lumumba Day. It also says that when a listed holiday falls on a Sunday, the associated day off is taken on the preceding day.[1]
The Labor Code applies to workers and employers operating in the country, including workers in public services hired under employment contracts. It excludes certain categories, including career civil servants governed by public-service statutes. The Code also provides for remuneration on legal public holidays.[2]
Why the day matters
Lumumba became prime minister as the former Belgian Congo approached independence, which was proclaimed on June 30, 1960. His tenure unfolded amid the crisis that followed independence. He was arrested and killed on January 17, 1961; the date of his death is the date chosen for this national holiday.[3]
The Congolese presidency describes Lumumba as the country’s first national hero. Its account of independence recalls his speech on June 30, 1960, which spoke of the struggle for emancipation. The observance is therefore tied both to his death and to his place in the national story of independence.[4]
Commemorations in the country
Official commemorations documented by the presidency have taken different forms and taken place in several parts of the country. During the 2022 return of Lumumba’s remains, a ceremony in Lubumbashi included traditional chiefs, a moment of reflection and a funeral vigil at Shilatembo, the site associated with his killing. The prime minister’s remarks there linked the memory of Lumumba and his companions to territorial integrity and national unity.[4]
In Kisangani, the presidency reported a customary Anamongo ceremony during the same series of funeral tributes, including the presentation of traditional symbols.[4]
Practical effects
The ordinance establishes the date as a legal public holiday and gives a rule for a Sunday coincidence. The Labor Code covers workers within its scope and provides for remuneration on legal public holidays. Check opening hours with each office, bank or shop and transport arrangements with the relevant service before you go.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
When is Patrice Emery Lumumba Day?
The legal holiday is listed for January 17 each year. The ordinance says that if it falls on a Sunday, the associated day off is taken on the preceding day.[1]
Is it a public holiday?
Yes. The 2023 ordinance lists January 17 as a legal public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[1]
Do banks and shops close?
Check opening hours with the relevant bank or shop before you go.
Are there particular foods or customs for the day?
Official and regional commemorations have included a customary Anamongo ceremony in Kisangani, with traditional symbols presented.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Anniversary of Prime Minister Patrice Emery Lumumba in Congo - Kinshasa:
- 30 mars 2023. - Ordonnance n° 23-042 fixant la liste des jours fériés légaux en République démocratique- Journal officiel de la République démocratique du Congo / Droit Congolais
- LOI 2002 PORTANT CODE DU TRAVAIL- Legali
- The Congo, Decolonization, and the Cold War, 1960–1965- Office of the Historian, U.S. Department of State
- Lumumba revient 61 ans après sur le lieu de son assassinat- Présidence de la République démocratique du Congo