Renowned journalist Freddy Mulongo Mukena has remembered Elie Mulongo Nkulu Wa Kabila, a man he describes as a champion of solidarity. Mulongo Mukena took to his platform to share his fond memories of Elie Mulongo, who he says had a profound impact on his life. According to Mulongo Mukena, Elie Mulongo was a selfless individual who always put others before himself. He notes that it was only after Elie Mulongo's passing that he discovered the numerous people he had helped throughout his life.
Elie Mulongo's impact on Freddy Mulongo Mukena's life began in 1983 at the Institut Ngwisana-Ingwis in Lemfu, Bas-Congo. Mulongo Mukena recounts that Elie Mulongo gave him pocket money in the presence of his sister, Tantine Claude Kabange Mulongo. This act of kindness had a lasting impact on Mulongo Mukena, who says he had enough money to take care of his friends and even pay for their transportation. This experience not only showcased Elie Mulongo's generosity but also instilled in Mulongo Mukena the importance of helping others.
Freddy Mulongo Mukena's journey in the world of radio was also influenced by his interactions with pioneers in the field. During his time in Europe in 1986, he discovered the impact of radio liberalization in France under François Mitterrand. He met Moustapha Laabli Thiombiano in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, who is considered a pioneer of free radios in Africa. Mulongo Mukena also encountered Roger Timbila Théodore Nikièma, a Burkinabé journalist and founder of Radio Salankoloto, the first associative radio in Burkina Faso.
Mulongo Mukena's experiences in Africa further solidified his understanding of the power of radio. He witnessed firsthand how radio could bring people together and facilitate communication. In one instance, a woman's lost cow was returned to her after a broadcast on the radio. These experiences shaped Mulongo Mukena's vision for his own radio platform, Réveil FM, which he launched in 1999.
Réveil FM, which began broadcasting on 105.4 Mhz in Kinshasa, aimed to revolutionize the media landscape by focusing on local issues. Mulongo Mukena notes that the radio station faced numerous challenges, including resistance from government officials. Despite these obstacles, Réveil FM persevered and continued to provide a platform for the voices of ordinary citizens.
Over the years, Réveil FM has continued to evolve, with Mulongo Mukena establishing Réveil FM International. He emphasizes that the radio station's mission remains unchanged, focusing on telling the stories of the Congolese people and holding those in power accountable. Mulongo Mukena expresses his gratitude to Elie Mulongo and his wife, Bernadette Ngoie Shimbi, for their unwavering support.
As Réveil FM International celebrates 27 years of broadcasting, Mulongo Mukena reflects on the significance of this milestone. He acknowledges the contributions of those who have supported the radio station over the years and reaffirms his commitment to telling the stories that need to be told. Through Réveil FM International, Mulongo Mukena aims to continue the legacy of Elie Mulongo Nkulu Wa Kabila, promoting solidarity and social justice.
Key points
- Freddy Mulongo Mukena remembers Elie Mulongo Nkulu Wa Kabila as a champion of solidarity who had a profound impact on his life.
- Elie Mulongo's generosity and selflessness inspired Mulongo Mukena to establish Réveil FM, a radio station focused on local issues.
- Réveil FM International continues to promote social justice and solidarity, 27 years after its inception.
