The Fan Who Stood Still: How Michel Kuka Became AFCON’s Most Recognisable Supporter

‎The Democratic Republic of Congo’s iconic “human statue” supporter, Michel Kuka Mboladinga, will be remembered as one of the standout figures of the Africa Cup of Nations.

‎His team may have been knocked out agonizingly on Tuesday, but his presence left a lasting impression on fans across the continent.

‎Kuka, known for standing perfectly still with his face lifted to the sky and his right arm raised, became one of the tournament’s most recognisable symbols.

‎He has become a media star and on Tuesday was accompanied by a delegation of several hundred Congolese supporters whose trip to Morocco was paid for by the country’s government.

‎They settled into the Rabat stands for the last-16 clash against Algeria, where the Leopards were defeated 1-0 by a late goal in extra time.

‎Where his inspiration comes from

‎Kuka’s stance draws inspiration from a statue of Congolese independence leader and former prime minister Patrice Lumumba, located in Kinshasa.

‎Lumumba briefly served as the country’s first prime minister in 1960 and was assassinated the following year by a combination of separatists from the region of Katanga and Belgian mercenaries.

‎His body was dissolved in acid and never recovered, though decades later it emerged that remains, including a tooth, had been kept in Belgium.

‎The killing stands as one of the darkest episodes in Belgium’s colonial history with its former colony.

‎Congolese fans at the Cup of Nations who spoke to AFP said they felt pride in Kuka’s tribute to Lumumba.

‎Kuka is “our brother”, said 30-year-old Laetitia Malula during a gathering of supporters in Casablanca on the eve of the Algeria game.

‎”He has chosen to imitate Lumumba…our hero. That is why we chant his name.”

‎DR Congo’s involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations has unfolded against the backdrop of a continuing conflict in the country’s east, where fighting has intensified since 2021 with the resurgence of the Rwandan-backed M23 group.

‎Kuka has avoided speaking to AFP, seemingly stepping back from the spotlight amid overwhelming media attention.

‎According to 35-year-old Jered Bitobo, the communications head of Kuka’s supporters group, this silence is intentional. Bitobo explained that Kuka’s distinctive pose is meant to symbolize “a sign of peace.”

‎”He is sending out a strong message, both at the local and international level. The open palm is a sign of peace and we need peace in our country,” Bitobo said.

‎It is understood that Kuka first recreated the pose several years ago during matches for the leading Congolese club AS Vita Club.