Building in Africa
Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecote
Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecote,
Kinshasa
, March 2022
|
|
Full name
| Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecote
|
---|
Former names
| Kamanyola Stadium
(1994–1997)
|
---|
Location
| Kinshasa
,
Democratic Republic of the Congo
|
---|
Capacity
| 80,000
|
---|
Surface
| Synthetic Lawn
|
---|
|
Broke ground
| October 14, 1998
; 25 years ago
(
1998-10-14
)
|
---|
Built
| October 14, 1993
; 30 years ago
(
1993-10-14
)
|
---|
Opened
| September 14, 1994
; 29 years ago
(
1994-09-14
)
|
---|
Renovated
| 2008, 2021 and 2023
|
---|
Construction cost
| US$38,000,000
|
---|
|
DR Congo national football team
(1994–present)
AS Vita Club
(1994–present)
Daring Club Motema Pembe
(1994–present)
|
The
Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecote
(formerly known as
Stade Kamanyola
), or commonly referred to as the
Stade des Martyrs
, is the
national stadium
of the
Democratic Republic of the Congo
, located in the
Kinshasa
commune
of the capital
Kinshasa
. With a seating capacity of 80,000, it is the
largest stadium in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
and the
fourth-largest stadium in Africa
. It serves as the
home stadium
for the
Congolese football national team
,
Association Sportive Vita Club
, and
Daring Club Motema Pembe
, making it the largest multifunctional venue in the country.
[1]
[2]
Originally constructed in 1993, the stadium was renamed in 1997 to honor the ministers, including
Evariste Kimba
, Jerome Anany, Emmanuel Bamba, and Alexandre Mahamba, who were publicly hanged in Leopoldville (present-day Kinshasa) on
Pentecost
, 2 June 1966.
[3]
[4]
[5]
It hosted the
2023 Jeux de la Francophonie
, which accommodated approximately 3,000 athletes from over 40 countries, featuring athletics, basketball, football, wrestling, and cycling.
[6]
[7]
History
[
edit
]
Etymology and construction
[
edit
]
Originally named "Stade Kamanyola," the name has its origins in the
Kamanyola
groupement
, within the
Walungu Territory
of
South Kivu Province
. This region, a border town and historic site, witnessed a pivotal moment in 1964 when
Mobutu
's
Forces Armees Zairoises
(FAZ) secured a significant victory against the
Mulelist insurgency
and took control of the Kamanyola Bridge.
[8]
In commemoration of this triumph, Mobutu perpetuated the name Kamanyola across various aspects of his opulence, including his extravagant yacht,
Kamanyola Division
, and subsequently commissioned the construction of "Stade Kamanyola."
[8]
Construction commenced on October 14, 1988, and was finalized five years later on October 14, 1993. The official inauguration took place on September 14, 1994, with a friendly exhibition match between the
Leopards of Zaire
and
Malawi
. The financial investment amounted to approximately $38 million and was expertly overseen by a
Chinese
consortium, in consonance with the grandiloquent projects emblematic of Mobutu's reign. It replaced the former National Stadium,
Stade Tata Raphael
.
Tout Puissant Mazembe
, a Congolese professional football club based in
Lubumbashi
, frequently contested away fixtures at the stadium.
[9]
[10]
[11]
From Stade Kamanyola to Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecote
[
edit
]
Following the ousting of Mobutu from power by
AFDL
(
Alliance des Forces Democratiques pour la Liberation du Congo-Zaire
) led by
Laurent-Desire Kabila
in 1997, the stadium was renamed "Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecote" in memory of four ministers purged by Mobutu Sese Seko and hanged at the site on June 2, 1966:
Evariste Kimba
, Jerome Anany, Emmanuel Bamba, and Alexandre Mahamba.
[3]
[12]
In 1998, during a football match between
AS Vita Club
and Motema Pembe at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, government troops opened fire, resulting in the tragic loss of four people.
[13]
On December 5, 2004, the Democratic Republic of the Congo achieved its first victory over
South Africa
in a historic match at the Stade des Martyrs.
[14]
Controversy
[
edit
]
During Laurent-Desire Kabila's rule, the stadium became the center of controversy and criticism from
human rights organizations
. It was alleged to have been used as a prison for dignitaries of the former Mobutu regime and individuals suspected of collaborating with it. Reports from organizations like
Journaliste en danger
(JED), a Congolese non-governmental organization for the defense of press freedom affiliated with
Reporters Without Borders
(RSF) and the
International Freedom of Expression Exchange
(IFEX), highlighted the use of the stadium as a
military camp
, where many people were held for extended periods in
dungeon
-like conditions.
[15]
Renovation (2008?2023)
[
edit
]
In 2008, the government underwent a major renovation of the stadium in response to
FIFA
's recommendations to bring it up to international standards. The rejuvenation included upgrades to the
wardrobe facilities
,
sound systems
,
lighting
,
electronic marker tables
,
seating arrangements
,
press gallery
,
security systems
, and
fire safety measures
. The project cost a significant $15 million and involved a team of four experts, including technicians from the
Netherlands
,
South Africa
, and
Norway
. To ensure top-quality
turf
, the
Dutch
company Edell Grass brought in 140 tons of synthetic rollers and 150 tons of sand in containers from the port of
Boma
to
Kinshasa
.
[16]
In June 2021, the former Ministry of Sports, Serge Tshembo Nkonde, allocated almost $5 million for the Stadium's renovation in anticipation of an inspection visit by the
Confederation of African Football
(CAF).
[17]
However, after completing the renovation and applying to host international matches, the CAF deemed it unsuitable on February 19, 2023.
[17]
[18]
[19]
The CAF noted that the Congolese state must complete the necessary work before requesting a new inspection for CAF's approval.
[17]
[18]
The CAF found that the overall quality of the work completed in the stadium was not satisfactory according to the standards required for a modern stadium. The detailed February 9 report highlighted several issues, including the "non-existent"
media space
,
internet connection
,
press conference rooms
,
medical facilities
, and
referees
'
locker rooms
that required improvements.
[17]
Additionally, the stadium's outer perimeter areas "do not guarantee a safe and secure environment for hosting international football matches, as these areas are abandoned and without any proper maintenance."
[17]
As of April 2023, the construction and site development work was approximately 80% complete. The ACGT (
Agence Congolaise des Grands Travaux
) was already carrying out the work at the Martyrs' stadium, according to a dispatch from the presidency's communication unit.
[20]
On May 17, President
Felix Tshisekedi
visited the two gymnasiums under construction, with capacities of 3000 and 2000. During this inspection visit, President Tshisekedi also went to the
Tata Raphael Stadium
.
[21]
By July 2023, student homes and numerous infrastructures had been rehabilitated, and the Stadium was supplied with water with
cisterns
installed by
REGIDESO
.
[22]
[23]
[24]
Other uses
[
edit
]
While primarily serving as a sports venue, the Stade des Martyrs also hosts cultural events, concerts, and gatherings of national significance. Some notable high-profile appearances include:
- In August 2003,
Wenge Musica Maison Mere
delivered a legendary performance in front of 80,000 fans.
[25]
[26]
- On June 25, 2016,
Quartier Latin International
celebrated their 30th anniversary at the Stade des Martyrs.
[27]
- On June 30, 2022,
Wenge Musica
reunited for another performance at the venue.
[28]
- On October 29, 2022,
Fally Ipupa
drew a crowd of 120,000 fans, surpassing the stadium's 80,000 capacity.
[29]
- On December 25, 2022,
Heritier Watanabe
held a concert at the stadium.
[30]
- On February 2, 2023,
Pope Francis
presided over a congregational assembly attended by 80,000 youthful Congolese and
catechists
, during which he denounced
tribalism
,
xenophobia
, and
corruption
.
[31]
[32]
- On June 24, 2023,
Ferre Gola
performed at the stadium alongside Kenyan singer
Victoria Kimani
, attracting over 100,000 fans.
[33]
[34]
- On November 19, 2023, Congolese president
Felix Tshisekedi
kicked off his campaign for his second term in the
2023 general election
at the Stade des Martyrs.
[35]
[36]
- On January 20, 2024, President Felix Tshisekedi was
sworn in
for a second five-year term following a
highly contested
election in front of a large international delegation at the stadium.
[37]
[38]
[39]
The event was marked by a military parade and
21-gun salute
.
[37]
Several African heads of state attended the ceremony.
[37]
See also
[
edit
]
References
[
edit
]
- ^
Brockhaus, Hannah (2 February 2023).
"Pope Francis to Congolese Youth: Prayer is Your Secret Weapon for Peace"
. National Catholic Register
. Retrieved
2 February
2023
.
- ^
Harlan, Chico (2 February 2023).
"A rejuvenated Pope Francis revels in Congo's energy"
.
Washington Post
. Retrieved
2 February
2023
.
- ^
a
b
Says, Felix Muthamia Mworia.
"ExecutedToday.com ≫ 1966: Evariste Kimba and three other "plotters" against Mobutu"
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
Say, Michel-Ange Mupapa (2004).
Le Congo et l'Afrique a l'oree du troisieme millenaire: la pathogenie d'un sous-developpement
(in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Presses universitaires du Congo. p. 214.
- ^
"100,000 in Congo See Hanging Of Ex-Premier and 3 Others"
.
The New York Times
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
"Francophonie Games in Kinshasa moved back to 2022"
.
www.insidethegames.biz
. 2020-04-23
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
"DR Congo intensifies street security ahead of Francophone Games"
.
www.aljazeera.com
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
a
b
Greenbaum, Eli (2017-11-07).
Emerald Labyrinth: A Scientist's Adventures in the Jungles of the Congo
. Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States: University Press of New England. p. 169.
ISBN
978-1-5126-0120-6
.
- ^
Says, Felix Muthamia Mworia.
"ExecutedToday.com ≫ 1966: Evariste Kimba and three other "plotters" against Mobutu"
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
Mwanza, Nelson (2021-04-14).
"Africa's Top Five Soccer Stadium by Crowd Capacity - Football World ? street footie"
.
street footie
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
Infocongo (2021-08-06).
"Sport : Le Stade des Martyrs fait peau neuve, les travaux de refection avancent a grand pas - Infocongo"
(in French)
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
"100,000 in Congo See Hanging Of Ex-Premier and 3 Others"
.
The New York Times
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
"Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecote - Congo | Sportskeeda"
.
www.sportskeeda.com
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
"Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecote - Congo | Sportskeeda"
.
www.sportskeeda.com
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for.
"Refworld | Republique democratique du Congo (RDC) : information indiquant si le stade Kamanyola, maintenant appele le stade des Martyrs, a servi de prison, notamment pour les dignitaires du regime de Mobutu et/ou ceux soupconnes de collaboration avec ce regime (1997?1998)"
.
Refworld
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
Pinganayi, Glody (2021-04-02).
"Elimination des Leopards: et si la pelouse du stade des Martyrs y est pour quelque chose?"
[Elimination of the Leopards: and if the pitch of the Martyrs stadium has something to do with it?].
Lemag.cd
(in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
. Retrieved
2024-02-27
.
- ^
a
b
c
d
e
Elisha, Iragi (2023-02-20).
"Le ministere des Sports a depense plus de 5 millions de dollars pour la renovation du Stade des Martyrs"
.
Foot RDC
(in French)
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
a
b
Sumaili, Remias (2023-04-18).
"RDC : Reouverture partielle du Stade des Martyrs"
.
LEOPARD LEADER FOOT
(in French)
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
"Non-homologation stades des Martyrs et Kibassa Maliba par la CAF"
.
Radio Okapi
(in French). 2023-02-21
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
"IXe jeux de la Francophonie: les travaux de construction et amenagement des sites executes a environ 80%"
.
Radio Okapi
(in French). 2023-04-09
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
"IXe Jeux de la Francophonie : Felix Tshisekedi exhorte les entreprises a pied d'œuvre a doubler d'efforts"
.
Radio Okapi
(in French). 2023-05-18
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
"IXemes jeux de la Francophonie: quel regard a 24 heures de la ceremonie d'ouverture ... les Kinois s'expriment !"
.
Actualite.cd
(in French). 2023-07-27
. Retrieved
2023-07-28
.
- ^
"Felix Tshisekedi : ≪ Tout a ete mis en œuvre pour que cette IXe edition des Jeux de la Francophonie soit un franc succes ≫"
.
Radio Okapi
(in French). 2023-07-29
. Retrieved
2023-09-12
.
- ^
"Pour le Cardinal Ambongo, les Jeux de la Francophonie sont ≪ un moment de joie immense et de fierte legitime pour tout un peuple ≫"
.
Radio Okapi
(in French). 2023-07-30
. Retrieved
2023-09-12
.
- ^
Cadasse, David (2003-08-07).
"Le phenomene Werra"
.
Afrik
(in French)
. Retrieved
2023-09-12
.
- ^
Kanka, Joseph (January 6, 2003).
"Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Musica Maison Mere: Werrason a rempli son contrat au stade des Martyrs"
.
AllAfrica
. Retrieved
2023-09-12
.
- ^
Kivuila, Cinardo (2016-03-02).
"Fally Ipupa, au Stade des Martyrs, le 25 juin 2016"
.
Eventsrdc.com
(in French)
. Retrieved
2023-09-12
.
- ^
"Tous les leaders de Wenge Musica se reconcilient a Paris"
.
TOP CONGO FM
. Retrieved
2023-09-12
.
- ^
"Stampede at Fally Ipupa concert kills 11 in DRC's capital"
.
www.aljazeera.com
. Retrieved
2023-09-12
.
- ^
"Heritier Watanabe au stade des Martyrs: ≪J'ai ete interpelle…avec interdiction d'atteindre 80.000 personnes≫"
.
Strong2kin Moov
(in French). 2022-12-26
. Retrieved
2023-09-12
.
- ^
"Les jeunes Congolais accueillent le pape Francois au stade des Martyrs a Kinshasa"
.
RFI
(in French). 2023-02-02
. Retrieved
2023-09-12
.
- ^
Henriot, Marine (2023-02-02).
"Avec les jeunes Congolais, Francois exhorte a rejeter la corruption - Vatican News"
.
www.vaticannews.va
(in French)
. Retrieved
2023-09-12
.
- ^
"Controversy surrounds Victoria Kimani's performance at historic concert"
.
Joeros TV
. 2023-06-26
. Retrieved
2023-09-12
.
- ^
"Ferre Gola qualifie son concert au Stade des Martyrs comme le plus beau moment de sa carriere"
[Ferre Gola describes his concert at the Stade des Martyrs as the most beautiful moment of his career].
mbote.cd
(in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. February 12, 2024
. Retrieved
2024-04-02
.
- ^
"Campagne electorale en RDC : Felix Tshisekedi se lance ce dimanche au stade des Martyrs"
[Election campaign in the DRC: Felix Tshisekedi launches this Sunday at the Martyrs stadium].
Actualite.cd
(in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. November 15, 2023
. Retrieved
2024-04-02
.
- ^
Dimanyayi, Christian (November 19, 2023).
"Tshisekedi au Stade de Martyrs : ≪ Certains ont eu le pouvoir et n'ont pas ete capables de construire une route ou encore un hopital, et viendront dire qu'ils vont vous rendre riches ≫"
[Tshisekedi at the Martyrs Stadium: "Some had the power and were not able to build a road or even a hospital, and will come and say that they will make you rich"].
7sur7.cd
(in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
. Retrieved
2024-04-02
.
- ^
a
b
c
"Felix Tshisekedi a prete serment pour son deuxieme mandat au stade des martyrs de Kinshasa"
[Felix Tshisekedi was sworn in for his second term at the Kinshasa Martyrs Stadium].
mbote.cd
(in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. January 20, 2024
. Retrieved
2024-04-02
.
- ^
Gras, Romain (January 16, 2024).
"Ramaphosa, Deby Itno, Oligui Nguema… Qui seront les presidents presents a l'investiture de Tshisekedi ?"
[Ramaphosa, Deby Itno, Oligui Nguema… Who will be the presidents present at Tshisekedi's inauguration?].
Jeuneafrique.com
(in French). Paris, France
. Retrieved
2024-03-02
.
- ^
"DR Congo's President Tshisekedi sworn in for second term amid disputes"
.
Al Jazeera
. Doha, Qatar. 20 January 2024
. Retrieved
2024-04-02
.
External links
[
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]
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4°19′49.5″S
15°18′36.0″E
/
4.330417°S 15.310000°E
/
-4.330417; 15.310000