The flight that would bring the mortal remains of the late Etienne Tshisekedi to Kinshasa (DRC) leaving Brussels (Belgium) was postponed at the last minute. This is what can be read in a statement published on May 29, 2019 by the Committee of the organizers of the funeral. Logistical problems would be the basis of this delay which seriously disturbs the funeral calendar.

In principle, it is at 8 o’clock this Thursday, May 29 that the body should tread Congolese soil. Unfortunately, it will arrive at 4 pm, 8 hours late, according to the forecast. Until 9:30 this morning, the plane had not taken off yet.

In the event that the plane took off at 12 o’clock, the arrival in Kinshasa will occur at 20 hours local. While according to the established program, the funeral procession had to pass by his residence in Limete before taking the way of the morgue of the hospital of the fiftieth anniversary.

Disappointments, anger, frustration, such are the feelings that may inhabit the UDPS activists who have prepared to pay a last homage in privacy. Because, the body will not be able to cross Limete, the stronghold of Etienne Tshisekedi, that in the evening thus complicating the program.

Should we remove this necessary and symbolic step or catch it on Fridays? To the Organizing Committee to fix the fighters of the democracy and the people first as well as the opinion on the redeveloped calendar.

Pour des raisons techniques le rapatriement du corps de Etienne TSHISEKEDI est retardé (Min. Affaires Étrangères Belge/RFI) Et que deviendra la journée chômée et payée???? pic.twitter.com/br2WA4atRS

— Christelle abeta@ (@ChristelleAbeta) May 29, 2019

Considering the logistical problem mentioned in this release, more than one Congolese person wonders if there was a fault on the Congolese or Belgian side.

« By making the funeral calendar public, it meant that all the arrangements were already made », an Internet surfer indignantly said.

Congolese have waited so long for this historic moment and do not wish to observe any incident likely to disrupt the funeral at the height of what some consider the national hero.

RDC : Rapatriement de la dépouille d''Étienne Tshisekedi retardé. Réaction de la porte parole adjointe de la présidence congolaise.

Retrouvez toute l'actualité sur : https://t.co/6ba6aR7R4a pic.twitter.com/HYqpntougf

— Le journal Afrique (@JTAtv5monde) May 29, 2019

Moreover, many are happy to see the sphinx of Limete be buried in his country. They hope that it will be the same for the former president Mobutu whose body still rests in a cemetery in Morocco. He too, think observers, deserves a funeral worthy of his rank.

Nadine FULA