“We thought we could control our destiny” – Lumumba

Raoul Peck’s film Lumumba provides the audience with the portrait of an impassioned young man who implores his countrymen to recognize that the “imperialist “Belgians have “exploited [Congo] for eighty years”, but that through forget[ting] our divisions”, unification, therein independence, can be achieved (Lumumba).
Unfortunately, the director does not provide enough insight into the nuance of the protagonist to determine if he would have been successful in keeping Zaire from falling apart. There are inferences in the film that suggest Lumumba can become quickly enraged, as exemplified in his Independence Day Speech. While his efforts can be applauded, his behavior appears to actuate the ensuing chaos. Yet, he has the foresight to recognize his mistakes, as well as the elements that impact his efforts, “Yes, I, too, made mistakes…we thought we controlled our own destiny, but other powerful enemies were pulling the strings” (Lumumba). Thus, one could assume that Lumumba would have the fortitude to create a democratic government, but without the ability to analyze future events, it is impossible to conclude that he would have unified Zaire.