Joseph Kasa-Vubu

"I proclaim in the name of the nation the birth of the Republic of the Congo!"

"I wanted to study the enemy on his home grounds."

"Congolese of all provinces and races, we are bringing you independance... This independance has been won by a united front of all Congolese delegates."

"Belgium then had the wisdom not to oppose the current of history, and-a deed without precedent in the story of peaceful decolonisation-she let our country pass directly from foreign domination to full independence."

"Nothing can be built on hatred, bitterness, or on vengeance."

"We have suffered from tribalism, which is not only a Congolese phenomenon, but one which unfortunately occurs in various guises all over the continent and threatens the stability of our States."

"As soon as we were freed… we rid ourselves of those foreign bases on our soil which might have constituted a pole of attraction for the cold war in the very heart of Africa"

". We can affirm, without fear of contradiction by history, that the assistance of the African countries which hastened to our aid in a brotherly way has been a decisive if not a determining element in our victory against foreign interest."

"The “heart of Africa” is resuming its rhythm and is beginning to beat at an increasingly normal rate. Yes, and it is not complacency:"

"Our experience has taught us that mutual confidence and respect between partners constitutes the basis of success of all efforts at unity."

"If I am under a moral obligation to support and defend the government within the limits set by the law, the members of the government themselves have a duty to work together as a team. Their policy must be the policy of the government and not that of one party, one race, or one tribe. It must be a policy which reflects the interests of the nation and which allows humanitarian values to flourish in freedom."

"Kimbangu wanted to be the saviour and the redeemer of the Negro race, as Mozes, Jezus, Mohammed and Buddha were for the other races, it would seem that the same idea has occured to Kassavubu."