Explaining his decision to travel to Venezuela for the commemoration, he said: “I was in France, preparing to return to the Congo, when I received a request to record a video for this tribute. But I didn’t hesitate—I told them I wouldn’t send a video; I would go in person. Venezuela is a country that has led a struggle similar to ours. For years, its leaders have fought for their people, just as Lumumba did to liberate the Congo from colonialism. I am certain that if Lumumba were alive today, he would be a brother to Simón Bolívar, a friend to Nasser, Nkrumah, Hugo Chávez, and all those who have dedicated their lives to justice and the liberation of their peoples.”