False alarm over DR Congo hero’s golden tooth

Patrice Lumumba’s golden tooth, a powerful symbol of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s fight for independence, has not been stolen, according to his daughter, Juliana Lumumba. This comes as a huge relief to a nation shaken by fears that the only remaining piece of the country’s revered first prime minister had been taken after his mausoleum in Kinshasa, the capital, was vandalized on Monday night.

The false alarm arose when reports suggested that the mausoleum, where Lumumba’s remains were housed, had been broken into, with signs of a possible theft. However, Juliana Lumumba assured the public that the tooth, which had previously been returned to the family by Belgium, was safely relocated to a more secure location in response to growing concerns about the safety of the mausoleum.

The golden tooth, which was taken as a grim souvenir after Lumumba’s assassination, was only returned to the Lumumba family in June 2022, following years of lobbying by the family and the Congolese government. Patrice Lumumba’s tragic story and his fight against colonialism had turned him into a pan-African hero, and the return of his tooth was a significant moment for the country. The tooth had been placed in a special memorial building in Kinshasa, where it was displayed for public admiration. The return sparked celebrations across the nation and was taken on a tour, allowing people to pay their respects to the late leader.

Patrice Lumumba, who was seen as a symbol of hope and change for Congo after gaining independence from Belgium in 1960, became a key figure in the fight against colonial oppression. His leadership was admired not only in his homeland but also across Africa, as he was seen as a champion for sovereignty and independence from colonial powers. Sadly, just months after independence, Lumumba was ousted in a coup and was assassinated in January 1961 at the age of 35, with Belgium’s tacit approval.

Lumumba’s body was dissolved in acid by Belgian authorities, but Belgian police officer Gérard Soete, who supervised the destruction, kept the tooth as a macabre trophy. The tooth was later kept in Belgium for decades before being returned to the Lumumba family, where it became a treasured national symbol.

The news of the mausoleum’s vandalism sparked outrage in Congo, with many fearing the worst. Footage circulated showing that a glass door had been smashed to gain access to the chamber where Lumumba’s coffin was stored. This prompted Culture Minister Yolande Elebe Mandembo to announce an official investigation into the break-in.

However, Juliana Lumumba reassured the public on Wednesday that the tooth had not been at the mausoleum during the break-in. While relieved, she expressed her “anger and sadness” over the disrespect shown to her father’s resting place. “Patrice Lumumba sacrificed himself for the sovereignty and independence of his country and the Congolese,” she said. “This is so unrepresentative of our culture, which respects the graves of our dearly departed.”

Despite the relief that the tooth was not taken, the incident has heightened concerns about the safety of the mausoleum and Lumumba’s legacy. Local authorities have arrested four suspects in connection with the desecration, though their identities have not been made public. In light of these security concerns, Juliana Lumumba and the Lumumba Foundation have been lobbying the government to take over the management of the mausoleum, as they seek to ensure its protection and prevent further incidents.

The desecration of the mausoleum has ignited a broader conversation about the protection of cultural and historical sites in Congo, particularly those that honor the country’s fight for independence. The government has pledged to strengthen security at the site, but many believe the involvement of the Lumumba family in its management could offer greater protection and respect for the legacy of one of Africa’s most iconic leaders.

As Congo continues to grapple with the challenges of safeguarding its history and the memory of its heroes, the story of Patrice Lumumba and his golden tooth serves as a reminder of the deep connection between the past and the present in the nation’s ongoing struggle for identity and justice.