Richard Bileckot promotes Kimuntu to strengthen Congo’s cohesion
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on ACI
Congolese lecturer and researcher Richard Bileckot calls for Kimuntu, a Kongo philosophy based on humanism, dignity, solidarity and responsibility, to be valued. At the publication of his book on these principles, he described it as a way to strengthen national cohesion and guide civic behaviour, according to the Congolese Information Agency.
Professor Richard Bileckot, a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Marien-Ngouabi University, called in Brazzaville on 28 October for Kimuntu to be promoted, in order to strengthen national cohesion. He was speaking to the Congolese Information Agency (ACI) on the occasion of the publication of his book, ‘Kongo Principles of Life: Kimuntu’.
Richard Bileckot believes that Congo’s administrative, judicial, economic and social difficulties raise the question of the values guiding behaviour. He advocates philosophical reference points rooted in local knowledge to develop a sense of national belonging beyond ethnic identities and encourage active citizenship.
Kimuntu particularly values humility, solidarity, loyalty, fairness, integrity and self-control. This philosophy also calls for responsible management of personal property, the common heritage and institutional resources. Bileckot stresses that individual wellbeing is linked to that of the community, and that respect for people and nature is an essential principle.
The author lastly recalls the role of elders in passing on this heritage to young people, particularly through tales, fables, riddles and proverbs. Congo and the UN also examined on 28 October the priorities of their next cooperation framework, in another aspect of discussions on national policy directions.
