The 31-year-old Congolese mediator, nicknamed "Boïka" for his powerful strike capability in the DRC, left Rwanda this Wednesday, February 14, 2024. He arrived the same day in Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province. He was welcomed at the Congolese-Rwandan border by the Presidential services and escorted by the Republican Guard to the VIP lounge of Goma airport. He then took a seat on a scheduled flight to Kinshasa, under the supervision of the Goma airport service staff.

Héritier Luvumbu was suspended for six months by the Rwandan Football Federation after his goal celebration gesture.

Scoring a free-kick in the match that pitted his Rayon Sport team against Police FC during the 20th day of the Rwandan championship, this former AS V Club player was criticized by a section of the Rwandan public. The former Leopard celebrated his goal with a hand simulating a revolver against his temple and a finger on his lips signaling the world's silence over the killings faced by his compatriots in the East of the DRC.

Back home, many Congolese have praised his bravery. Others, however, were already fearing for his life in a country where Paul Kagame's dictatorial regime spares none of its opponents.

Dido Nsapu