Stade des Martyrs explained

Stadium Name:Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte
Fullname:Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte
Location: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Renovated:2008, 2021 and 2023
Surface:Synthetic Lawn
Construction Cost:US$38,000,000
Former Names:Kamanyola Stadium
(1994 - 1997)
Tenants:DR Congo national football team (1994 - present)
AS Vita Club (1994 - present)
Daring Club Motema Pembe (1994 - present)
Seating Capacity:80,000

The Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte (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 Évariste Kimba, Jérôme Anany, Emmanuel Bamba, and Alexandre Mahamba, who were publicly hanged in Léopoldville (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.[6] [7]

History

Etymology and construction

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 Armées Zaïroises (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." 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 Raphaël. 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 Pentecôte

Following the ousting of Mobutu from power by AFDL (Alliance des Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération du Congo-Zaïre) led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila in 1997, the stadium was renamed "Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte" in memory of four ministers purged by Mobutu Sese Seko and hanged at the site on June 2, 1966: Évariste Kimba, Jérôme Anany, Emmanuel Bamba, and Alexandre Mahamba.[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]

Renovation (2008–2023)

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.[15]

In June 2021, the former Ministry of Sports,, allocated almost $5 million for the Stadium's renovation in anticipation of an inspection visit by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).[16] However, after completing the renovation and applying to host international matches, the CAF deemed it unsuitable on 19 February 2023.[17] [18] The CAF noted that the Congolese state must complete the necessary work before requesting a new inspection for CAF's approval. 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. 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."

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.[19] On 17 May, 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 Raphaël Stadium.[20] By July 2023, student homes and numerous infrastructures had been rehabilitated, and the Stadium was supplied with water with cisterns installed by REGIDESO.[21] [22] [23]

Crowd crush incidents

Fally Ipupa mega-concert incident

Stade des Martyrs has been the site of several crowd-crush incidents, which have led to countless deaths and injuries over the years. One of the most significant incidents took place on 29 October 2022, during the Fally Ipupa mega-concert, which resulted in eleven deaths, including two police officers.[24] [25] [26] Reports from Le Monde revealed that by 3 p.m., the stadium had reached its full capacity, with more people attempting to gain entry. Despite the venue's 80,000-person capacity, over 120,000 people showed up for the event.[27] Le Monde reported that the high temperatures precipitated cases of suffocation among some spectators. A fatality was recorded prior to the concert's commencement, with the individual succumbing to asphyxiation. Disruptions were further exacerbated by the actions of police officers stationed at the stadium entrance, who confiscated entry documents from certain spectators and accepted bribes to permit others to enter. This caused chaos near Avenue des Huileries, where two tear gas grenades were deployed to disperse the crowd. A post-concert stampede resulted in additional deaths. The Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization and Traditional Affairs, Daniel Asselo Okito, attributed the stampede to the organizers, holding them accountable for exceeding the agreed-upon capacity with the police and the stadium. One of the event's organizers was detained by the Kinshasa criminal police around 10 p.m. on the evening of the concert.

Mike Kalambayi performance incident

On 27 July 2024, during Congolese gospel singer Mike Kalambayi's performance, a stampede broke out, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people and leaving many others injured, some of whom required intensive care.[28] [29] [30] While authorities refrained from speculating on the cause of the stampede, citing an ongoing investigation, the local music management company responsible for organizing the event attributed the chaos to an intervention by security services dealing with potential disruptors. Although the concert organizers had initially planned to accommodate the stadium and its esplanade, the rapidly sold-out tickets led to some attendees being turned away due to insufficient space. Some victims succumbed to suffocation, while others perished due to crushing in the stadium, where the playing area, corridors, seats, and stands were overcrowded.

Controversy

During Laurent-Désiré 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.[31]

Other uses

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:

See also

External links

-4.3304°N 15.31°W

Notes and References

  1. News: Pope Francis to Congolese Youth: Prayer is Your Secret Weapon for Peace. Hannah. Brockhaus. National Catholic Register. 2 February 2023. 2 February 2023.
  2. News: A rejuvenated Pope Francis revels in Congo's energy. Chico. Harlan. Washington Post. 2 February 2023. 2 February 2023.
  3. Web site: Says . Felix Muthamia Mworia . ExecutedToday.com » 1966: Evariste Kimba and three other "plotters" against Mobutu . 2 June 2008 . 2023-07-28 . en.
  4. Book: Say, Michel-Ange Mupapa . Le Congo et l'Afrique à l'orée du troisième millénaire: la pathogénie d'un sous-développement . Presses universitaires du Congo . 2004 . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo . 214 . French.
  5. News: 100,000 in Congo See Hanging Of Ex-Premier and 3 Others . en . The New York Times . 2023-07-28.
  6. Web site: 2020-04-23 . Francophonie Games in Kinshasa moved back to 2022 . 2023-07-28 . www.insidethegames.biz.
  7. Web site: DR Congo intensifies street security ahead of Francophone Games . 2023-07-28 . www.aljazeera.com . en.
  8. Book: Greenbaum, Eli . Emerald Labyrinth: A Scientist's Adventures in the Jungles of the Congo . 2017-11-07 . University Press of New England . 978-1-5126-0120-6 . Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States . 169 . en.
  9. Web site: Says . Felix Muthamia Mworia . ExecutedToday.com » 1966: Evariste Kimba and three other "plotters" against Mobutu . 2 June 2008 . 2023-07-28 . en.
  10. Web site: Mwanza . Nelson . 2021-04-14 . Africa's Top Five Soccer Stadium by Crowd Capacity - Football World • street footie . 2023-07-28 . street footie . en-US.
  11. Web site: Infocongo . 2021-08-06 . Sport : Le Stade des Martyrs fait peau neuve, les travaux de réfection avancent à grand pas - Infocongo . 2023-07-28 . fr-FR.
  12. News: 100,000 in Congo See Hanging Of Ex-Premier and 3 Others . en . The New York Times . 2023-07-28.
  13. Web site: Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte - Congo Sportskeeda . 2023-07-28 . www.sportskeeda.com . en-gb.
  14. Web site: Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte - Congo Sportskeeda . 2023-07-28 . www.sportskeeda.com . en-gb.
  15. Web site: Pinganayi . Glody . 2021-04-02 . Elimination des Léopards: 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? . 2024-02-27 . Lemag.cd . fr . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  16. Web site: Elisha . Iragi . 2023-02-20 . Le ministère des Sports a dépensé plus de 5 millions de dollars pour la rénovation du Stade des Martyrs . 2023-07-28 . Foot RDC . fr-FR.
  17. Web site: Sumaïli . Remias . 2023-04-18 . RDC : Réouverture partielle du Stade des Martyrs . 2023-07-28 . LEOPARD LEADER FOOT . fr-FR.
  18. Web site: 2023-02-21 . Non-homologation stades des Martyrs et Kibassa Maliba par la CAF . 2023-07-28 . Radio Okapi . fr.
  19. Web site: 2023-04-09 . IXe jeux de la Francophonie: les travaux de construction et aménagement des sites exécutés à environ 80% . 2023-07-28 . Radio Okapi . fr.
  20. Web site: 2023-05-18 . IXe Jeux de la Francophonie : Félix Tshisekedi exhorte les entreprises à pied d'œuvre à doubler d'efforts . 2023-07-28 . Radio Okapi . fr.
  21. Web site: 2023-07-27 . IXèmes jeux de la Francophonie: quel regard à 24 heures de la cérémonie d'ouverture ... les Kinois s'expriment ! . 2023-07-28 . Actualite.cd . fr.
  22. Web site: 2023-07-29 . Félix Tshisekedi : « Tout a été mis en œuvre pour que cette IXe édition des Jeux de la Francophonie soit un franc succès » . 2023-09-12 . Radio Okapi . fr.
  23. Web site: 2023-07-30 . Pour le Cardinal Ambongo, les Jeux de la Francophonie sont « un moment de joie immense et de fierté légitime pour tout un peuple » . 2023-09-12 . Radio Okapi . fr.
  24. News: Gisa . Nathalie Sala . 31 October 2022 . "On suffoquait": le mégaconcert de Fally Ipupa fait onze morts et de nombreux blessés à Kinshasa . "We were suffocating": Fally Ipupa’s mega-concert leaves eleven dead and many injured in Kinshasa . 21 October 2023 . . Paris, France . fr.
  25. Web site: 30 October 2022 . Stampede at Fally Ipupa concert kills 11 in DRC's capital . 21 October 2023 . . Doha, Qatar.
  26. Web site: Mulegwa . Pascal . 30 October 2022 . RDC: le concert tant attendu de Fally Ipupa a tourné au drame . DRC: Fally Ipupa's long-awaited concert turned to tragedy . 21 October 2023 . . fr . Paris, France.
  27. Web site: 30 October 2022 . Plus de 120.000 personnes auraient répondu présent au concert de Fally Ipupa au Stade des Martyrs . More than 120,000 people would have attended the Fally Ipupa concert at the Stade des Martyrs . 12 November 2022 . Mbote . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  28. Web site: 27 July 2024 . Concert de Mike Kalambayi : au moins 9 morts dans des bousculades au stade des Martyrs . Mike Kalambayi concert: at least 9 dead in stampedes at Martyrs stadium . 2 August 2024 . . fr . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  29. Web site: 28 July 2024 . RDC: au moins neuf morts dans une bousculade au stade des Martyrs . DRC: At least nine dead in stampede at Martyrs stadium . 2 August 2024 . . fr . Paris, France.
  30. Web site: AfricaNews . 29 July 2024 . RDC: au moins 9 morts lors du concert de Mike Kalambayi . DRC: At least 9 dead during Mike Kalambayi concert . 2 August 2024 . . fr . Lyon, France.
  31. Web site: Refugees . United Nations High Commissioner for . Refworld République démocratique du Congo (RDC) : information indiquant si le stade Kamanyola, maintenant appelé le stade des Martyrs, a servi de prison, notamment pour les dignitaires du régime de Mobutu et/ou ceux soupçonnés de collaboration avec ce régime (1997–1998) . 2023-07-28 . Refworld . en.
  32. Web site: Cadasse . David . 2003-08-07 . Le phénomène Werra . 2023-09-12 . Afrik . fr-FR.
  33. News: Kanka . Joseph . January 6, 2003 . Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Musica Maison Mère: Werrason a rempli son contrat au stade des Martyrs . 2023-09-12 . AllAfrica.
  34. Web site: Kivuila . Cinardo . 2016-03-02 . Fally Ipupa, au Stade des Martyrs, le 25 juin 2016 . 2023-09-12 . Eventsrdc.com . fr-FR.
  35. Web site: Tous les leaders de Wenge Musica se réconcilient à Paris . 2023-09-12 . TOP CONGO FM.
  36. Web site: Stampede at Fally Ipupa concert kills 11 in DRC's capital . 2023-09-12 . www.aljazeera.com . en.
  37. Web site: 2022-12-26 . Héritier Watanabe au stade des Martyrs: «J'ai été interpellé…avec interdiction d'atteindre 80.000 personnes» . 2023-09-12 . Strong2kin Moov . fr-FR.
  38. Web site: 2023-02-02 . Les jeunes Congolais accueillent le pape François au stade des Martyrs à Kinshasa . 2023-09-12 . RFI . fr.
  39. Web site: Henriot . Marine . 2023-02-02 . Avec les jeunes Congolais, François exhorte à rejeter la corruption - Vatican News . 2023-09-12 . www.vaticannews.va . fr.
  40. Web site: 2023-06-26 . Controversy surrounds Victoria Kimani's performance at historic concert . 2023-09-12 . Joeros TV . en-US.
  41. Web site: February 12, 2024 . Ferre Gola qualifie son concert au Stade des Martyrs comme le plus beau moment de sa carrière . Ferre Gola describes his concert at the Stade des Martyrs as the most beautiful moment of his career . 2024-04-02 . mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  42. Web site: November 15, 2023 . Campagne électorale en RDC : Félix Tshisekedi se lance ce dimanche au stade des Martyrs . Election campaign in the DRC: Félix Tshisekedi launches this Sunday at the Martyrs stadium . 2024-04-02 . Actualite.cd . fr . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  43. Web site: Dimanyayi . Christian . November 19, 2023 . Tshisekedi au Stade de Martyrs : « Certains ont eu le pouvoir et n'ont pas été capables de construire une route ou encore un hôpital, 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" . 2024-04-02 . 7sur7.cd . fr . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  44. Web site: January 20, 2024 . Félix Tshisekedi a prêté serment pour son deuxième mandat au stade des martyrs de Kinshasa . Félix Tshisekedi was sworn in for his second term at the Kinshasa Martyrs Stadium . 2024-04-02 . mbote.cd . fr-FR . Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  45. Web site: Gras . Romain . January 16, 2024 . Ramaphosa, Déby Itno, Oligui Nguema… Qui seront les présidents présents à l'investiture de Tshisekedi ? . Ramaphosa, Déby Itno, Oligui Nguema… Who will be the presidents present at Tshisekedi's inauguration? . 2024-03-02 . Jeuneafrique.com . fr . Paris, France.
  46. Web site: 20 January 2024 . DR Congo's President Tshisekedi sworn in for second term amid disputes . 2024-04-02 . Al Jazeera . en . Doha, Qatar.

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