The story of Congo’s iconic Limete Tower, where you will find all that remains of Lumumba

It is one of the tallest memorials in Africa built in the early 1970s. The Limete Tower, which is situated in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was built in honor of the country’s first Prime Minister, Patrice Emery Lumumba.

It is 210 meters high and was designed by French-Tunisian architect Olivier-Clément Cacoub. It commenced at the instance of military dictator and former president Mobutu Sese Seko when he assumed the realms of power.

He cited the tower at the center of the city with the N’djili airport and changed the name of the road leading to the monument from the Boulevard Leopold II to Boulevard Lumumba after the Martyr of Independence.

It is one of the iconic attractions in the industrial hub of Limete, a burgeoning suburb of the national capital. The tower, which was completed in 1974, was one of the heart desires of Mobuto Sese Seko, according to Alluring World. His passion to honor the country’s first prime minister compelled him to declare Lumumba a national hero on June 30, 1966.

The striking edifice comprised a skyscraper, pyramid, a sanctuary and 12 storey hosting warehouses, industrial plants, railroad tracks and accommodation facilities. The Limete interchange tower’s architecture has been described by many as unique but strange given its makeup and how it is structured.

The breathtaking feature of the tower lies in the four columns which can be seen many miles away in any part of the city. It was meant to be a museum and an eatery, but, due to the non-availability of funds and poor commitment, that section of the structure had been abandoned. According to the architectural designs, the top of the tower was meant to be weaved with a copper spire.

Tourists have reported how awe-striking the views are from the upper section of the tower with its impeccable sights. Many residents are however disappointed the government could not carry through with its plans to renovate the monument in 2010.

But the government is confident that when the memorial is renovated, it promises to offer a grotesque look. It is expected that the first and second floors will be converted into medical cabinets which have been fitted already. The base will be used as a hospital and site for healing the sick. Other floors are expected to be used by legal luminaries as offices, a restaurant and a school for aviation.

A space has been preserved for poets, inventors and scientists to reflect and create innovations that will transform the republic and its business community.

Its top floor is reserved for birds and pious faithful to rejuvenate their soul. The copper spire zone has also been designated for prayers and lovers of nature to observe the beautiful scenery of the Congo River and the hills of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  

Either way one would look at the memorial, it has not only served the memory of the country’s first prime minister but also offers an array of professionals space to develop their talents and explore nature.

Recently, the remains of Lumumba (his tooth) were finally placed to rest in a glass and concrete mausoleum at the Limete tower, Kinshasa.