“I traveled thousands of kilometers from Lumumba’s birthplace to commemorate his centenary. I knew I had to be here because the struggle is the same: to fight fascism and seek the well-being of our people. That’s why I came.”

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding African anti-colonial revolutionary Patrice Lumumba, teleSUR had the honor of interviewing his son, Roland Lumumba, President of the Patrice Lumumba Foundation.

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Roland Lumumba shared profound reflections on his father’s legacy, which transcends borders: “My father saw himself as an idea without limits. He once said: ‘I have no father, no mother, no religion. I am an idea. The Congo created me, and I will find a way to create it.’”

Explaining his decision to travel to Venezuela for the commemoration, he said: “I was in France, preparing to return to the Congo, when I received a request to record a video for this tribute. But I didn’t hesitate—I told them I wouldn’t send a video; I would go in person. Venezuela is a country that has led a struggle similar to ours. For years, its leaders have fought for their people, just as Lumumba did to liberate the Congo from colonialism. I am certain that if Lumumba were alive today, he would be a brother to Simón Bolívar, a friend to Nasser, Nkrumah, Hugo Chávez, and all those who have dedicated their lives to justice and the liberation of their peoples.”

Despite the distance, Roland felt it was essential to be in Venezuela: “I traveled thousands of kilometers from Lumumba’s birthplace to commemorate his centenary. I knew I had to be here because the struggle is the same: to fight fascism and seek the well-being of our people. That’s why I came.”

Modern Colonialism and the Historical Debt

Speaking on the criminalization of migrants, Zionism, and U.S. policies, Roland condemned: “This is a new form of colonization. The wealth of the West comes from the exploitation of our resources in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Some nations believe themselves superior and oppress others. But if we speak of justice, they owe us a colonial debt. They robbed us, brought us hunger and misery, and now demand our silence. Yet what they took from our parents and grandparents was our inheritance. We do not seek violence—only a fair solution. But the problem was created by the West itself.”

The Failure of International Institutions

On the role of the UN and other organizations, Roland was critical: “Many countries did not fight for their independence; it was granted under an agenda that maintains exploitation in a different form. When some nations awaken and denounce these injustices, they are criminalized. But for us, this is a process of evolution. Today, some African countries are taking the first steps toward political, cultural, and economic independence. We hope others will follow.”

He recalled his father’s words: “Independence is not a gift. We cannot import democracy or revolution; we must create our own. What works in the United States may not suit Burkina Faso. Venezuela has chosen its path, and each country must decide what is best for its people.”

Keeping Lumumba’s Legacy Alive

For Roland, awareness is key: “We must explain why, despite the Congo being one of the richest nations in resources, our people remain impoverished. We export diamonds, gold, uranium… Even the uranium in the bomb dropped on Japan came from our soil. We take no pride in this, but it shows how we are plundered. We hold 70% of the world’s reserves of minerals critical for technology, yet multinationals and neighboring countries exploit them at low prices. They give us crumbs and call it aid. This mentality must change.”

Unity Between Africa and Latin America

Roland stressed the need for stronger alliances: “Though labeled ‘poor,’ if we unite, we can find solutions. We’ve had over 60 years of ‘independence,’ yet the struggle continues. Some nations progress, but each defends its own interests. It’s a chess game. We must create our own mechanisms.”

He criticized the UN system: “Who created it? Security Council members wield veto power over issues that don’t affect them. Africa, as a continent, should have that right too. The Congo is four times larger than France and far richer in resources—why can they veto and we cannot? The UN is obsolete; it must be reformed.”

In this regard, Roland praised an initiative by President Maduro: “He hosted the first Congress of Afro-Descendants here, and I was honored to speak for Africa. I proposed that this congress become a permanent structure to defend our interests, not just a one-time event. We must build our own institutions. The African Union is a step forward, but we need more: an alliance between Africa and Latin America—continents with shared struggles.”

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