Seoul, June 30, 2025
Fellow Congolese,
Brothers and sisters in the diaspora,
Friends of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
On behalf of the Dynamique de l’Élite Congolaise en Corée du Sud (DEDOC), I stand today with deep pride and solemn reflection to mark the 65th anniversary of the independence of our beloved nation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
June 30th is far more than a date in our national calendar — it is a powerful symbol of sacrifice, sovereignty, and self-determination. Sixty-five years ago, our forebears lifted the banner of freedom and entrusted future generations with the responsibility of building a strong, just, and united nation. We are that generation. And we must rise to that call.
This year’s commemoration carries a historic resonance, as we witness the landmark peace agreement signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda in Washington, D.C. For the first time in more than three decades, there is hope that the bloodshed in the eastern part of our country may finally come to an end. Let this be the dawn of a new era — one where peace is more than a dream, but a reality anchored in justice, reconciliation, and collective will.
As Congolese elites living in South Korea, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the motherland. From across the globe, we remain builders of progress — in science, in education, in policy, in business, in culture. We carry our Congolese identity with pride, and we are determined to channel our knowledge, networks, and voices toward the emergence of a prosperous, peaceful, and sovereign Congo.
We take this moment to express our sincere gratitude to the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Seoul, and in particular, to His Excellency Ambassador Atoki Ileka, his esteemed wife, and the entire Embassy staff for the warm and dignified reception hosted on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Ambassador’s Residence. This gathering, held on the sidelines of the official commemoration, brought together a cross-section of our community — a vibrant moment of unity, culture, and pride. It reminded us all that even far from home, we remain one people, one nation.
As pictures and videos from yesterday’s commemoration illustrate, let them reflect not only joy but also our shared resolve — to honor the legacy of independence with concrete action and unwavering dedication.
May this 65th anniversary reignite in each of us the spirit of service and the duty of remembrance. Let us never forget who we are and what we owe to our land.
Long live the Democratic Republic of the Congo!
Long live the Congolese diaspora!
Long live peace and independence!
For DEDOC,
Reagan Ingoma
President, Dynamique de l’Élite Congolaise en Corée du Sud
