From Silence to Statue: Congo DR's Living Monument in AFCON 2025

The Silent Statue in the Stands

In AFCON 2025, a rare sight captured attention as a Congo DR supporter stood motionless for the full 90 minutes, a silent figure amid the roaring crowd.

Fan Koka Moladinga intentionally became a "living statue" to honor Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s first democratically elected prime minister after independence in 1960, who was assassinated in 1961.

He chose utter silence in the stadium’s cacophony, a symbolic message with political and historical undertones, reflecting shared grief and nostalgia for Lumumba’s values as fans typically express themselves with chants and applause.

Video clips circulated showing him perfectly still even as goals were scored, a moment that condensed the intersection of sport and collective memory.

DR Congo had just beaten Botswana 3-0 in the third match of Group 4 in AFCON 2025 hosted in Morocco.

DR Congo finished second in Group 4 with seven points, earning a Tuesday clash against Algeria, which had already sealed top spot in Group 6 before the final round.

What Comes Next

DR Congo’s unlikely statue moment aside, the team’s campaign moves on with a knockout-stage duel looming against Algeria, who led their group before the last round. The tournament continues to serve up drama, symbolism, and plenty of football fever in Morocco.

PUNCHLINE 1: If stillness wins matches, that guy just patented a bronze medal in mime artistry.

PUNCHLINE 2: And if Lumumba ever asks for a selfie, the statue will be ready—no blink, just history in bronze.