**Breaking News: The Legacy of Betrayal – Patrice Lumumba’s Centenary Sparks Outrage in the DRC**

Today marks a century since the birth of Patrice Émery Lumumba, a towering figure in the struggle for Congolese independence, whose legacy is overshadowed by betrayal and tragedy. As celebrations erupt across the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond, a stark reminder of Lumumba’s assassination looms large, igniting urgent discussions about the nation’s turbulent past and present.

Lumumba, a revolutionary leader, fought fiercely for the freedom and dignity of his people. However, his aspirations clashed violently with Western interests, leading to his brutal assassination just months after he took office in 1960. Today, as the DRC grapples with the painful memories of colonial oppression, many question why the nation continues to suffer from political instability and economic strife.

The irony is palpable: Lumumba, who sacrificed everything for his country, was betrayed not only by foreign powers but also by his own people. This betrayal, some argue, has cast a long-lasting curse over the DRC, perpetuating cycles of violence and division. As Lumumba’s centenary is observed, a chilling sentiment echoes: “You cannot kill a messenger of God and expect peace.”

Amidst the celebrations, a haunting narrative unfolds—one that reveals the complicity of Congolese soldiers in the atrocities committed during colonial rule. The historical context of violence, where Congolese turned against their own under colonial orders, raises uncomfortable questions about identity and responsibility.

Today, as the nation honors Lumumba’s legacy, calls for introspection resonate. The DRC must confront its past to forge a path toward unity and healing. Lumumba’s life and death serve as a potent reminder of the urgent need for reconciliation and the pursuit of true independence—a battle that, for many, is far from over. The time to reflect, repent, and rebuild is now.