AGENCIES

DR Congo’s famous “living statue” finally made his FIFA World Cup debut on Wednesday.

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who gained fame during the Africa Cup of Nations for posing as a statue of DR Congo’s assassinated independence leader Patrice Lumumba for the entirety of matches, attended his nation’s fixture against Colombia. He had missed their opener against Portugal due to Ebola quarantine requirements.

“Lumumba Vea”, as the sharply dressed supporter is known for his resemblance to the slain leader, took his spot about an hour before kick-off at Estadio Akron. Dressed in a bright red jacket and tie, a yellow shirt, and blue trousers, he stood motionless on a pedestal behind the DR Congo bench with his right arm raised as the game began.

Nkuka Mboladinga became a social media sensation during the continental tournament for his ability to remain completely still on his pedestal throughout the 90 minutes.

His inspiration, Lumumba, was an activist who helped end Belgian colonial rule over DR Congo in 1960. He was assassinated within a year during a struggle against a Belgian-backed secessionist movement in the mineral-rich Katanga region.