Iconic DR Congo superfan denied entry to United States for World Cup match
DR Congo's iconic superfan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as 'Lumumba Vea,' has been denied a visa to enter the United States for his nation's World Cup round of 32 fixture against England on Wednesday. The decision stems from US travel restrictions imposed on travellers from DR Congo due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the country.
Mboladinga, who wears bright red, yellow and blue suits and stands motionless during matches as a tribute to Patrice Lumumba, DR Congo's first leader assassinated in 1961, was present for DR Congo's 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Mexico. However, he will not be allowed to attend the game in the US.
Ebola outbreak leads to visa denial
The United States has maintained restrictions on travellers from DR Congo because of the Ebola outbreak. According to government data released last Friday, the number of confirmed Ebola cases in DR Congo has increased to 1,203, including 321 deaths. These figures underscore the public health concerns that led to the visa denial.
Replacement superfan steps in
In Mboladinga's absence, Enock Kabwende will take on the role. Kabwende, who will wear a dark suit embellished with leopard print, will strike similar poses during the game. 'I want to keep the culture going. [Mboladinga] didn't come here, but we have to represent our country. Patrice Lumumba represents liberty, storing power, prosperity and freedom in our country,' Kabwende said.
Yvette Kapinga Ngandu, DR Congo's ambassador to the US, commented on the situation: 'If Lumumba Vea cannot travel, then Lumumba Junior will carry the torch in Atlanta. Michel is the real one but junior is smaller and a bit younger; he's the Generation Z fan.' She added, 'Lumumba Vea is here in spirit. He means so much to the nation and now he means so much to other nations. He probably will get a visa when we win against England but won't get one in time for this match.'
Ambassador expresses confidence in DR Congo's chances
The ambassador also expressed optimism about the match outcome: 'We are beating England. When Congo win, it is going to send a message to the world that DRC is coming of age. The World Cup is strengthening our determination to show to the world the DRC is not just a crisis, not just a disease but a country of people who are extremely resilient.'
The match between DR Congo and England is scheduled for Wednesday, and fans around the world will be watching to see how the team performs without their iconic superfan in attendance.
