Laurent Mbariko

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Laurent Jean-Pierre Mbariko (January 19, 1925 - December 30, 1972) from the Kwilu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was a prominent Congolese politician who played a significant role in Congo's independence from Belgium. After elementary schooling in Catholic missionary schools, he followed a fast-track training for teachers. After teaching in the Kwilu, he moved to Leopoldville, the capital, in late 1940's. He became a leader in the scouting movement (cf. Catholic Scouts of Belgian Congo), and later became involved in the struggle for independence. His name is among those Congolese leaders who compiled key documents laying out the aspiration for independence from Belgium in late 1950's(Le scoutisme au Congo Belge-Samuel Tilman-Universite Libre de Bruxelles. [www.flwi.ugent.be/btng-rbhc/fr ] ).

At the first free elections in 1959 he was elected Senator on the Parti Solidaire Africain (PSA) list headed by Antoine Gizenga(cf. Congo 1959,dossiers du CRISP,Belgium). He later joined the Parti national du peuple (PNP) party. He once served as Vice-President in the Senate (Congo parliamentary archives).

He was included in the Ileo government on September 5th 1960 as Vice Minister for Defense (Secretaire d'etat)(cf.Congo 1960,dossiers du CRISP,Belgium) He also participated in the government of national unity led by Cyrille Adoula, who entered office August 2, 1961. He held the post of Vice-Minister (Secretaire d'etat) for Planning, Development, and International Cooperation(cf.Congo 1961,dossiers du CRISP,Belgium).

He is known for his strong personality and profound savvy in international affairs. President Joseph Kasavubu often sent him in numerous state missions. He represented the Congo in the Euro-African parliamentary conference in Strasbourg, France (19-24 June 1961)(cf.France parliamentary archives).

When Mobutu came to power through a coup in 1965, Mbariko was offered but declined government assignments. It was his way of protesting against the undemocratic process. He exiled himself to his native Kwilu where he died of illness on December 30th, 1972. His untimely death left the Kwilu without a valuable representative for many years. His integrity and wisdom have since been revered in tribal music.