Stade des Martyrs

File:Stade des martyrs 0332 Kinshasa (8756673901).jpg

Originally named "Stade Kamanyola," the name has its origins in the Kamanyola groupement, within the Walungu Territory of South Kivu Province. This border area became symbolically important to the regime of President Mobutu Sese Seko following a decisive 1964 military victory by the Armée Nationale Congolaise (ANC) against the Mulelist insurgency. The campaign, which secured the Kamanyola Bridge and contributed to the liberation of Bukavu from forces loyal to Jean Schramme, was led by Major-General Léonard Mulamba and Masiala.{{Cite book |last=Greenbaum |first=Eli |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QxM4DwAAQBAJ&dq=Stade+Kamanyola+mobutu&pg=PA169 |title=Emerald Labyrinth: A Scientist's Adventures in the Jungles of the Congo |date=2017-11-07 |publisher=University Press of New England |isbn=978-1-5126-0120-6 |location=Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States |pages=169 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Kirikam |first=Zephyrin Nkumu Assana |date=30 August 2010 |title=Le Stade des Martyrs de La Pentecote |url=http://www.mbokamosika.com/article-le-stade-des-martyrs-de-la-pentecote-56199593.html |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Mbokamosika |language=fr}} It was during these conflicts that Donatien Mahele Lieko Bokungu, then a young Warrant Officer, first distinguished himself—later rising to prominence in the national army.

In recognition of these military achievements, Mobutu memorialized the name Kamanyola across several state assets and personal possessions, including a presidential yacht, a military division, and subsequently commissioned the construction of "Stade Kamanyola". The stadium project was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in May 1987 between the Republic of Zaire and the People's Republic of China.{{Cite web |last=Kakule |first=Job |date=14 September 2022 |title=[Histoire] 14 septembre 1994: inauguration du Stade des Martyrs (ex-Stade Kamanyola) |trans-title=[History] 14 September 1994: inauguration of the Stade des Martyrs (formerly Stade Kamanyola) |url=https://www.grandslacsnews.com/posts/histoire-14-septembre-1994-inauguration-du-stade-des-martyrs-ex-stade-kamanyola-5794 |access-date=27 May 2025 |website=Grandslacsnews.com |language=fr}} Construction began on 14 October 1988—a date symbolically chosen to coincide with Mobutu's birthday—and concluded exactly five years later on 14 October 1993. The facility, with a seating capacity of 80,000, was constructed by a Chinese consortium at a cost of approximately $38 million.{{Cite web |last= |date=6 August 2021 |title=Sport: Le Stade des Martyrs fait peau neuve, les travaux de réfection avancent à grand pas |trans-title=Sport: The Stade des Martyrs is getting a facelift, renovation work is progressing rapidly |url=https://infocongo.net/2021/08/06/sport-le-stade-des-martyrs-fait-peau-neuve-les-travaux-de-refection-avancent-a-grand-pas/ |access-date=28 July 2023 |website=Infocongo.net |language=fr-FR}}

Stade Kamanyola was officially inaugurated on 14 September 1994 with a friendly match between the Leopards of Zaire and the Flames of Malawi. It replaced Stade Tata Raphaël as the country's principal sports venue and became a centerpiece of Mobutu's vision for monumental state infrastructure. In addition to hosting matches for the national football team and top Kinshasa clubs, the stadium also accommodated fixtures involving Tout Puissant Mazembe, a prominent club based in Lubumbashi.

Following the ousting of Mobutu from power by AFDL (Alliance des Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération du Congo-Zaïre) led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila in 1997, the stadium was renamed "Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte" in memory of four ministers purged by Mobutu Sese Seko and hanged at the site on 2 June 1966: Évariste Kimba, Jérôme Anany, Emmanuel Bamba, and Alexandre Mahamba.{{Cite web |last=Says |first=Felix Muthamia Mworia |date=2 June 2008 |title=ExecutedToday.com » 1966: Evariste Kimba and three other "plotters" against Mobutu |url=https://www.executedtoday.com/2008/06/02/1966-evariste-kimba-mobutu-sese-seko-pentecost-plot/ |access-date=2023-07-28 |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=100,000 in Congo See Hanging Of Ex-Premier and 3 Others |language=en |work=The New York Times |url=http://timesmachine.nytimes.comhttp//timesmachine.content-tagging.us-east-1-01.prd.dvsp.nyt.net/timesmachine/1966/06/03/82445557.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |access-date=2023-07-28}} Tragedy revisited the venue in 1998 during the Second Congo War, when government troops opened fire during a football match between AS Vita Club and Daring Club Motema Pembe, resulting in four fatalities.{{Cite web |title=Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte - Congo {{!}} Sportskeeda |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/stade-des-martyrs |access-date=2023-07-28 |website=www.sportskeeda.com |language=en-gb}}

On 5 December 2004, the Democratic Republic of the Congo achieved its first victory over South Africa in a historic match at the Stade des Martyrs.{{Cite web |title=Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte - Congo |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/stade-des-martyrs |access-date=28 July 2023 |website=Sportskeeda.com |language=en-gb}} On 12–14 October 2012, the venue played host to the 14th summit of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.{{Cite web |date=13 October 2012 |title=Feature story: 14th Francophonie Summit: Shared Responsibility and Global Solidarity on the Agenda of UNAIDS and Heads of State |url=https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2012/october/20121013francophonie |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=UNAIDS |publication-place=Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland}}{{Cite web |date=6 October 2012 |title=Congo-Kinshasa: Nuit de la francophonie - Plus de six cents artistes attendus à Kinshasa |trans-title=Congo-Kinshasa: Night of the Francophonie - More than six hundred artists expected in Kinshasa |url=https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/201210070615.html |access-date=13 July 2024 |website=Le Potentiel |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}{{Cite web |date=2 October 2012 |title=Francophonie: un méga concert de musique à la veille du sommet au stade des Martyrs |trans-title=Francophonie: a mega music concert on the eve of the summit at the Stade des Martyrs |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/culture/2012/10/02/francophonie-mega-concert-de-musique-la-veille-du-sommet-au-stade-des-martyrs |access-date=13 July 2024 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} From 28 July to 6 August 2023, the Stade des Martyrs presided over the IXes Jeux de la Francophonie, a notable multi-sport event, marking the first occasion that the games were held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.{{Cite web |date=28 July 2023 |title=RD Congo: coup d'envoi des 9e jeux de la Francophonie, à Kinshasa |trans-title=DR Congo: Kick-off of the 9th Francophone Games in Kinshasa |url=https://information.tv5monde.com/afrique/rd-congo-coup-denvoi-des-9e-jeux-de-la-francophonie-kinshasa-2661501 |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=TV5Monde |language=fr |publication-place=Paris, France}}{{Cite web |last=Kuzamba |first=Emmanuel |date=7 August 2023 |title=IXes Jeux de la Francophonie - Culture : médailles, révélation et déception |trans-title=9th Francophone Games - Culture: medals, revelation and disappointment |url=https://actualite.cd/2023/08/07/ixes-jeux-de-la-francophonie-culture-medailles-revelation-et-deception |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=Actualite.cd |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}{{Cite web |date=7 August 2023 |title=EcoNews: "IXes Jeux de la Francophonie: mission accomplie" |trans-title=EcoNews: "9th Francophone Games: mission accomplished" |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2023/08/07/actualite/revue-de-presse/econews-ixes-jeux-de-la-francophonie-mission-accomplie |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=6 August 2023 |title=IX Jeux de la Francophonie à Kinshasa: un "défi relevé" par la RDC qui redore son image à l'international |trans-title=IX Francophone Games in Kinshasa: a "challenge taken up" by the DRC which is restoring its international image |url=https://www.mediacongo.net//dossier-mediacongo-99_ix_jeux_de_la_francophonie_a_kinshasa_un_defi_releve_par_la_rdc_qui_redore_son_image_a_l_international_ix_jeux_de_la_francophonie_a_kinshasa_un_defi_releve_par_la_rdc_qui_redore_son_image_a_l_international.html |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=Mediacongo.net |language=fr}}

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| caption1 = The Stade des Martyrs in 2006, showcasing its modern circular architecture with a distinctive outer framework supporting the roof. Prominent banners display advertisements, including one for Vodacom featuring the slogans 'Simply the best!' and its French equivalent, Parce que vous méritez mieux.

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By the early 2000s, Stade des Martyrs had fallen into a severe state of disrepair. In February 2006, Radio Okapi described the stadium as "slowly dying", with unsanitary conditions caused by supporters and street children (shegués) urinating throughout the facility.{{Cite web |date=27 February 2006 |title=Le stade des martyrs, un bijou martyrisé par les odeurs |trans-title=The Martyrs' Stadium, a jewel martyred by smells |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/emissions-2/2006/02/27/le-stade-des-martyrs-un-bijou-martyrise-par-les-odeurs-2 |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} The stench of urine and feces made many parts of the stadium unbearable for spectators. In May 2006, urban authorities in Kinshasa took action by demolishing a dozen unauthorized houses that had been built across from the main entrance. The area was originally intended for the construction of facilities to host international sports delegations.{{Cite web |date=4 May 2006 |title=Démolition des constructions anarchiques érigées en face du Stade des Martyrs |trans-title=Demolition of the illegal constructions erected opposite the Stade des Martyrs |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/emissions-2/2006/05/04/demolition-des-constructions-anarchiques-erigees-en-face-du-stade-des-martyrs |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} According to both local residents and stadium officials, these informal structures had occupied land reserved for future development linked to the stadium complex.

The degradation of the stadium led to serious consequences when, on 25 March 2008, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) suspended Stade des Martyrs from the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, stating that it did not meet the required international standards.{{Cite web |date=25 March 2008 |title=Foot-RDC: la Fifa suspend le stade des Martyrs de Kinshasa |trans-title=Football-DRC: FIFA suspends the Martyrs stadium in Kinshasa |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sport/2008/03/25/foot-rdc-la-fifa-suspend-le-stade-des-martyrs-de-kinshasa |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} The Fédération Congolaise de Football Association (FECOFA) was asked to select an alternative stadium on neutral territory where "home" matches would be played.{{Cite web |date=28 March 2008 |title=Le stade des Martyrs suspendu des compétitions internationales |trans-title=Martyrs Stadium suspended from international competitions |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/emissions-2/2008/03/28/le-stade-des-martyrs-suspendu-des-competitions-internationales |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} FIFA granted a one-month reprieve, providing the Congolese government a final opportunity to renovate the stadium in line with inspection recommendations.{{Cite web |date=26 March 2008 |title=Foot-RDC: la Fifa accorde un sursis d'un mois pour le stade des martyrs |trans-title=DRC Football: FIFA grants one-month reprieve for Martyrs Stadium |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sport/2008/03/26/foot-rdc-la-fifa-accorde-un-sursis-dun-mois-pour-le-stade-des-martyrs |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} In response, the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Gervais Ntirumenyrwa Kimonyo, launched renovation efforts on 15 April 2008. The project involved ten companies and was initially budgeted at $3.5 million.{{Cite web |date=16 April 2008 |title=Stade des Martyrs: coup d'envoi des travaux de réaménagement |trans-title=Martyrs Stadium: Redevelopment work begins |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sport/2008/04/16/stade-des-martyrs-coup-denvoi-des-travaux-de-reamenagement |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=22 April 2008 |title=Stade des Martyrs: les inspecteurs de la Fifa arrivent dans 2 semaines, le ministre des Sports rassure |trans-title=Martyrs Stadium: FIFA inspectors to arrive in 2 weeks, Sports Minister reassures |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sport/2008/04/22/stade-des-martyrs-les-inspecteurs-de-la-fifa-arrivent-dans-2-semaines-le-ministre-des-sports-rassure |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} Minister of Youth and Sports Willy Bakonga explained the multi-contractor approach was intended to expedite work and meet deadlines. Renovation tasks included refurbishing the locker rooms, upgrading lighting and the electronic scoreboard, installing seat numbering, and constructing a new press tribune.

Despite these efforts, work remained unfinished by early May. Contractors requested an additional $2.5 million beyond the original $3.7 million already disbursed.{{Cite web |date=28 April 2008 |title=Stade des Martyrs: à 6 joursde l’arrivée de la Fifa, les entreprises exigent plus de 2 millions USD supplémentaires |trans-title=Martyrs Stadium: 6 days before FIFA's arrival, companies demand more than 2 million USD more |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sport/2008/04/28/stade-des-martyrs-a-6-joursde-l%25e2%2580%2599arrivee-de-la-fifa-les-entreprises-exigent-plus-de-2-millions-usd-supplementaires |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} By 4 May 2008, the site still resembled a construction zone with unpacked furniture and construction materials scattered about. According to project architect Trésor Lufwakenda, significant progress had been made, particularly in repainting and refurbishing internal facilities.{{Cite web |date=4 May 2008 |title=Kinshasa: stade des Martyrs, l’ultimatum de la Fifa prend fin ce dimanche |trans-title=Kinshasa: Martyrs Stadium, FIFA's ultimatum ends this Sunday |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sport/2008/05/04/kinshasa-stade-des-martyrs-l%25e2%2580%2599ultimatum-de-la-fifa-prend-fin-ce-dimanche |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} However, delays and incomplete tasks prompted the government to involve military engineers to ensure the stadium was ready on time. Interior Minister Denis Kalume Numbi threatened legal action against contractors who failed to meet deadlines.{{Cite web |date=20 May 2008 |title=Le ministre de l'intérieur menace de poursuivre en justice les entreprises défaillantes dans la réhabilitation du stade des martyrs |trans-title=The Minister of the Interior is threatening to take legal action against companies that failed to renovate the Martyrs' Stadium |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/emissions-2/dialogue-entre-congolais/2008/05/20/le-ministre-de-linterieur-menace-de-poursuivre-en-justice-les-entreprises-defaillantes-dans-la-rehabilitation-du-stade-des-martyrs |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} Ultimately, on 19 May 2008, FIFA reinstated the stadium's eligibility to host international matches.{{Cite web |date=20 May 2008 |title=Foot: la Fifa autorise le stade des Martyrs à abriter les eliminatoires de la Can-Mundial 2010 |trans-title=Football: FIFA authorizes the Martyrs stadium to host the 2010 CAN-Mundial qualifiers |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sport/2008/05/20/foot-la-fifa-autorise-le-stade-des-martyrs-a-abriter-les-eliminatoires-de-la-can-mundial-2010 |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}}

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| caption1 = A 2017 demonstration at Stade des Martyrs advocating against the recruitment of child soldiers. Several young participants, wearing white T-shirts emblazoned with a red circle and slash over a child figure, march across the field holding a large banner reading STOP AU RECRUTEMENT D'ENFANTS.

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A second wave of rehabilitation began in March 2020 under the Ministry of Sports and Leisure, initially focusing on modernizing the locker rooms.{{Cite web |last=Luvundisakio |first=Jolga |date=21 October 2020 |title=CAF: l'épée de Damoclès sur le stade des Martyrs après le match RDC-Angola |trans-title=CAF: The sword of Damocles hangs over the Martyrs stadium after the DRC-Angola match |url=https://congoprofond.net/caf-lepee-de-damocles-sur-le-stade-des-martyrs-apres-le-match-rdc-angola/ |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Congoprofond.net |language=fr-FR}} However, progress was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the shipment of essential equipment from Europe. By October 2020, the situation remained critical. Constant Omari, then president of FECOFA, warned of a potential closure, stating that Stade des Martyrs no longer met modern standards. FIFA required the stadium to have either a hybrid or natural grass playing surface—requirements that had yet to be addressed due to a lack of released funds. During the 47th Council of Ministers meeting on 4 September 2020, President Félix Tshisekedi instructed the government to prioritize the stadium's rehabilitation. The Council decided to reactivate the project file to ensure modernization works would be completed within a reasonable timeframe.{{Cite web |last= |date=5 September 2020 |title=RDC: le Chef de l'État ordonne la réhabilitation du stade des martyrs |trans-title=DRC: Head of State orders rehabilitation of Martyrs' Stadium |url=https://linterview.cd/rdc-le-chef-de-letat-ordonne-la-rehabilitation-du-stade-des-martyrs/ |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=linterview.cd/rdc |language=fr-FR}}{{Cite web |last=Mwarabu |first=Amédée |date=5 September 2020 |title=RDC: le gouvernement va décaisser les fonds pour la réhabilitation du stade des martyrs |trans-title=DRC: Government to release funds for the rehabilitation of the Martyrs' Stadium |url=https://deskeco.com/2020/09/05/rdc-le-gouvernement-va-decaisser-les-fonds-pour-la-rehabilitation-du-stade-des-martyrs |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Deskeco.com |language=fr}}

On 9 April 2021, President Tshisekedi launched development and rehabilitation efforts aimed at preparing the stadium to host the 9th Francophone Games.{{Cite web |date=9 April 2021 |title=IXe Jeux de la Francophonie: Félix Tshisekedi lance les travaux de construction des infrastructures |trans-title=9th Francophone Games: Félix Tshisekedi launches infrastructure construction work |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2021/04/09/actualite/sport/ixe-jeux-de-la-francophonie-felix-tshisekedi-lance-les-travaux-de |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} Despite these efforts, a Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection on 4 May 2021 excluded Stade des Martyrs from the list of approved African stadiums, citing failure to meet FIFA's international standards.{{Cite web |date=5 May 2021 |title=Eliminatoires-Mondial 2022: les Léopards joueront au stade TP Mazembe à Lubumbashi |trans-title=2022 World Cup Qualifiers: The Leopards will play at the TP Mazembe stadium in Lubumbashi |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2021/05/05/actualite/sport/eliminatoires-mondial-2022-les-leopards-joueront-au-stade-tp-mazembe |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} On 16 July 2021, the Council of Ministers approved renovation plans for seven stadiums nationwide, including Stade des Martyrs, with projected costs ranging between 3 million and 8 million USD per facility.{{Cite web |date=17 July 2021 |title=RDC: 7 stades à travers le pays seront bientôt rénovés |trans-title=DRC: 7 stadiums across the country will soon be renovated |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2021/07/17/actualite/sport/rdc-7-stades-travers-le-pays-seront-bientot-renoves |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} Minister of Sports and Leisure {{Interlanguage link|Serge Tshembo Nkonde|fr}} emphasized collaboration with the Société Nationale d'Électricité (SNEL) to ensure proper electrification. Rehabilitation work resumed on 16 July 2021 under Nkonde's supervision, targeting FIFA compliance ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for September.{{Cite web |last= |date=16 July 2021 |title=Les travaux de réhabilitation du Stade des Martyrs ont démarré |trans-title=Rehabilitation work on the Stade des Martyrs has begun |url=https://infocongo.net/2021/07/16/les-travaux-de-rehabilitation-du-stade-des-martyrs-ont-demarre/ |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Infocongo.net |language=fr-FR}} Renovations included the replacement of the stadium's lighting system, along with plans for the installation of a new artificial turf and seating, featuring a hybrid pitch. Despite these plans, on 22 September 2021, CAF disqualified Stade des Martyrs from hosting the third and fourth matchdays of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, citing failure to meet minimum standards.{{Cite web |date=22 September 2021 |title=Eliminatoires-Mondial 2022: la CAF n'a pas homologué le stade des Martyrs |trans-title=2022 World Cup Qualifiers: CAF has not approved the Martyrs stadium |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2021/09/22/actualite/sport/eliminatoires-mondial-2022-la-caf-na-pas-homologue-le-stade-des-martyrs |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} FECOFA was instructed to select an alternative stadium by that date or face CAF designating a venue, potentially in the opponent's country. By 4 February 2022, CAF provisionally authorized Stade des Martyrs to host the DR Congo against Morocco match, contingent upon continuing refurbishment work.{{Cite web |date=4 February 2022 |title=Barrages-Qatar 2022: le stade des Martyrs approuvé par la CAF |trans-title=Qatar 2022 Playoffs: Martyrs Stadium Approved by CAF |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2022/02/04/actualite/sport/barrages-qatar-2022-le-stade-des-martyrs-approuve-par-la-caf |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} The stadium reopened following the installation of the new pitch. However, after subsequent assessments, CAF deemed the stadium unsuitable on 9 February 2023.{{Cite web |last=Mokili |first=Son |date=10 February 2023 |title=CAF-Fecofa: le stade des Martyrs est KO malgré des millions de dollars consentis pour sa rénovation |trans-title=CAF-Fecofa: Martyrs stadium is KO despite millions of dollars spent on its renovation |url=https://actualite.cd/2023/02/10/caf-fecofa-le-stade-des-martyrs-est-ko-malgre-des-millions-de-dollars-consentis-pour-sa |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Actualite.cd |language=fr}}{{Cite web |last=Sumaïli |first=Remias |date=18 April 2023 |title=RDC: Réouverture partielle du Stade des Martyrs |trans-title=DRC: Partial reopening of the Stade des Martyrs |url=https://leopardleader.com/rdc-reouverture-partielle-du-stade-des-martyrs/ |access-date=28 July 2023 |website=LEOPARD LEADER FOOT |language=fr-FR}}{{Cite web |date=21 February 2023 |title=Non-homologation stades des Martyrs et Kibassa Maliba par la CAF |trans-title=Non-approval of Martyrs and Kibassa Maliba stadiums by CAF |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2023/02/21/emissions/dialogue-entre-congolais/non-homologation-stades-des-martyrs-et-kibassa-maliba |access-date=28 July 2023 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} The governing body reported that the completed renovations did not satisfy modern stadium standards. Key deficiencies identified included inadequate media facilities, lack of reliable internet connectivity, insufficient press conference rooms, under-equipped medical services, and inadequate locker rooms for referees. Additionally, the stadium's external perimeter areas "do not guarantee a safe and secure environment for hosting international football matches, as these areas are abandoned and without any proper maintenance".

As of April 2023, construction and site development were approximately 80% complete, with the Agence Congolaise des Grands Travaux (ACGT) overseeing the work.{{Cite web |date=29 April 2023 |title=IXe jeux de la Francophonie: les travaux de construction et aménagement des sites exécutés à environ 80% |trans-title=9th Francophone Games: construction and site development work completed at approximately 80% |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2023/04/09/actualite/sport/ixe-jeux-de-la-francophonie-les-travaux-de-construction-et-amenagement |access-date=28 July 2023 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} On 17 May 2023, President Félix inspected two gymnasiums under construction with capacities of 3,000 and 2,000 spectators.{{Cite web |date=18 May 2023 |title=IXe Jeux de la Francophonie: Félix Tshisekedi exhorte les entreprises à pied d'œuvre à doubler d'efforts |trans-title=9th Francophone Games: Félix Tshisekedi urges companies to redouble their efforts |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2023/05/18/actualite/politique/ixe-jeux-de-la-francophonie-felix-tshisekedi-exhorte-les-entreprises |access-date=28 July 2023 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} By July 2023, student housing and various infrastructures had been rehabilitated, and Stade des Martyrs was supplied with water through newly installed cisterns by REGIDESO.{{Cite web |date=27 July 2023 |title=IXèmes jeux de la Francophonie: quel regard à 24 heures de la cérémonie d'ouverture ... les Kinois s'expriment! |trans-title=9th Francophone Games: What a view 24 hours before the opening ceremony... the people of Kinshasa speak out! |url=https://actualite.cd/index.php/2023/07/27/ixemes-jeux-de-la-francophonie-quel-regard-24-heures-de-la-ceremonie-douverture-les |access-date=28 July 2023 |website=Actualite.cd |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=29 July 2023 |title=Félix Tshisekedi: "Tout a été mis en œuvre pour que cette IXe édition des Jeux de la Francophonie soit un franc succès" |trans-title=Félix Tshisekedi: "Everything has been done to ensure that this 9th edition of the Francophone Games is a resounding success" |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2023/07/30/actualite/politique/felix-tshisekedi-tout-ete-mis-en-oeuvre-pour-que-cette-ixe-edition |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=30 July 2023 |title=Pour le Cardinal Ambongo, les Jeux de la Francophonie sont "un moment de joie immense et de fierté légitime pour tout un peuple" |trans-title=For Cardinal Ambongo, the Francophone Games are "a moment of immense joy and legitimate pride for an entire people." |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2023/07/31/actualite/societe/pour-le-cardinal-ambongo-les-jeux-de-la-francophonie-sont-un-moment-de |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}} On 13 July 2024, Stade des Martyrs, alongside Stade TP Mazembe, received CAF approval to host matches for the 2024–2025 season.{{Cite web |date=13 July 2024 |title=RDC-Foot: les stades des Martyrs et du TP Mazembe homologués pour la saison sportive 2024-2025 |trans-title=DRC-Football: Martyrs and TP Mazembe stadiums approved for the 2024-2025 sports season |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2024/07/13/actualite/sport/rdc-foot-les-stades-des-martyrs-et-du-tp-mazembe-homologues-pour-la |access-date=28 May 2025 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}}

File:Leopard RDC, Kinshasa.jpg at the venue|251x251px]]

Stade des Martyrs has been the site of several crowd-crush incidents, which have led to countless deaths and injuries over the years. One of the most significant incidents took place on 29 October 2022, during the Fally Ipupa mega-concert, which resulted in eleven deaths, including two police officers.{{Cite news |last=Gisa |first=Nathalie Sala |date=31 October 2022 |title="On suffoquait": le mégaconcert de Fally Ipupa fait onze morts et de nombreux blessés à Kinshasa |trans-title="We were suffocating": Fally Ipupa’s mega-concert leaves eleven dead and many injured in Kinshasa |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2022/10/31/en-rdc-le-megaconcert-de-fally-ipupa-fait-11-morts-et-de-nombreux-blesses-a-kinshasa_6148047_3212.html |access-date=21 October 2023 |work=Le Monde |location=Paris, France |language=fr}}{{Cite web |date=30 October 2022 |title=Stampede at Fally Ipupa concert kills 11 in DRC's capital |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/30/eleven-killed-in-stampede-in-concert-at-congolese-capital |access-date=21 October 2023 |website=Al Jazeera |publication-place=Doha, Qatar}}{{Cite web |last=Mulegwa |first=Pascal |date=30 October 2022 |title=RDC: le concert tant attendu de Fally Ipupa a tourné au drame |trans-title=DRC: Fally Ipupa's long-awaited concert turned to tragedy |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20221030-rdc-le-concert-tant-attendu-de-fally-ipupa-a-tourn%C3%A9-au-drame |access-date=21 October 2023 |website=RFI |language=fr |publication-place=Paris, France}} Reports from Le Monde revealed that by 3 p.m., the stadium had reached its full capacity, with more people attempting to gain entry. Despite the venue's 80,000-person capacity, over 120,000 people showed up for the event.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=30 October 2022 |title=Plus de 120.000 personnes auraient répondu présent au concert de Fally Ipupa au Stade des Martyrs |trans-title=More than 120,000 people would have attended the Fally Ipupa concert at the Stade des Martyrs |url=https://mbote.cd/buzz/plus-de-100-000-ppersonnes-auraient-repondu-present-au-concert-de-fally-ipupa-au-stade-des-martyrs/120517/ |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=Mbote |language=fr-FR |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}} Le Monde reported that the high temperatures precipitated cases of suffocation among some spectators. A fatality was recorded prior to the concert's commencement, with the individual succumbing to asphyxiation. Disruptions were further exacerbated by the actions of police officers stationed at the stadium entrance, who confiscated entry documents from certain spectators and accepted bribes to permit others to enter. This caused chaos near Avenue des Huileries, where two tear gas grenades were deployed to disperse the crowd. A post-concert stampede resulted in additional deaths. The Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization and Traditional Affairs, Daniel Asselo Okito, attributed the stampede to the organizers, holding them accountable for exceeding the agreed-upon capacity with the police and the stadium. One of the event's organizers was detained by the Kinshasa criminal police around 10 p.m. on the evening of the concert.

On 27 July 2024, during Congolese gospel singer Mike Kalambayi's performance, a crowd-crush broke out, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people and leaving many others injured, some of whom required intensive care.{{Cite web |date=27 July 2024 |title=Concert de Mike Kalambayi : au moins 9 morts dans des bousculades au stade des Martyrs |trans-title=Mike Kalambayi concert: at least 9 dead in stampedes at Martyrs stadium |url=https://actualite.cd/2024/07/27/concert-de-mike-kalambayi-au-moins-9-morts-dans-des-bousculades-au-stade-des-martyrs |access-date=2 August 2024 |website=Actualite.cd |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}{{Cite web |date=28 July 2024 |title=RDC: au moins neuf morts dans une bousculade au stade des Martyrs |trans-title=DRC: At least nine dead in stampede at Martyrs stadium |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20240728-rdc-au-moins-neuf-morts-dans-une-bousculade-au-stade-des-martyrs |access-date=2 August 2024 |website=Radio France Internationale |language=fr |publication-place=Paris, France}}{{Cite web |last=AfricaNews |date=29 July 2024 |title=RDC: au moins 9 morts lors du concert de Mike Kalambayi |trans-title=DRC: At least 9 dead during Mike Kalambayi concert |url=https://fr.africanews.com/2024/07/29/rdc-au-moins-9-morts-lors-du-concert-de-mike-kalambayi/ |access-date=2 August 2024 |website=Africanews |language=fr |publication-place=Lyon, France}} While authorities refrained from speculating on the cause of the crowd-crush, citing an ongoing investigation, the local music management company responsible for organizing the event attributed the chaos to an intervention by security services dealing with potential disruptors. Although the concert organizers had initially planned to accommodate the stadium and its esplanade, the rapidly sold-out tickets led to some attendees being turned away due to insufficient space. Some victims succumbed to suffocation, while others perished due to crushing in the stadium, where the playing area, corridors, seats, and stands were overcrowded.

During Laurent-Désiré Kabila's rule, the stadium became the center of controversy and criticism from human rights organizations. It was alleged to have been used as a prison for dignitaries of the former Mobutu regime and individuals suspected of collaborating with it. Reports from organizations like Journaliste en danger (JED), a Congolese non-governmental organization for the defense of press freedom affiliated with Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), highlighted the use of the stadium as a military camp, where many people were held for extended periods in dungeon-like conditions.{{Cite web |last=Refugees |first=United Nations High Commissioner for |title=République démocratique du Congo (RDC) : information indiquant si le stade Kamanyola, maintenant appelé le stade des Martyrs, a servi de prison, notamment pour les dignitaires du régime de Mobutu et/ou ceux soupçonnés de collaboration avec ce régime (1997–1998) |url=https://www.refworld.org/docid/3df4bf05c.html |access-date=28 July 2023 |website=Refworld |language=en}}

While primarily serving as a sports venue, the Stade des Martyrs also hosts cultural events, concerts, and gatherings of national significance. Some notable high-profile appearances include:

• In August 2003, Wenge Musica Maison Mère delivered a legendary performance in front of 80,000 fans.{{Cite web |last=Cadasse |first=David |date=7 August 2003 |title=Le phénomène Werra |url=https://www.afrik.com/le-phenomene-werra |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=Afrik |language=fr-FR}}{{Cite news |last=Kanka |first=Joseph |date=6 January 2003 |title=Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Musica Maison Mère: Werrason a rempli son contrat au stade des Martyrs |trans-title=Congo-Kinshasa: Wenge Musica Mother House: Werrason fulfilled his contract at the Martyrs stadium |url=https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200301070287.html |access-date=12 September 2023 |work=Le Phare |location=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}{{Cite web |last=Matanda |first=Alvin |date=2 September 2024 |title=RD Congo: Pourquoi le Stade des Martyrs est si convoité par les artistes ? |trans-title=DR Congo: Why is the Stade des Martyrs so coveted by artists? |url=https://www.auxsons.com/en/focus/rd-congo-pourquoi-le-stade-des-martyrs-est-si-convoite-par-les-artistes/ |access-date=13 May 2025 |website=AuxSons |language=fr}}
• On 25 June 2016, Quartier Latin International celebrated their 30th anniversary at the Stade des Martyrs.{{Cite web |last=Kivuila |first=Cinardo |date=2 March 2016 |title=Fally Ipupa, au Stade des Martyrs, le 25 juin 2016 |url=https://www.eventsrdc.com/fally-ipupa-au-stade-des-martyrs-le-25-juin-2016/ |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=Eventsrdc.com |language=fr-FR}}
• On 30 June 2022, Wenge Musica reunited for another performance at the venue.{{Cite web |last=Bwematelwa |first=Barick |title=Tous les leaders de Wenge Musica se réconcilient à Paris |trans-title=All the leaders of Wenge Musica reconcile in Paris |url=https://www.topcongo.live/articles/tous-les-leaders-de-wenge-musica-se-reconcilient-a-paris |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=TOP CONGO FM}}
• On 29 October 2022, Fally Ipupa drew a crowd of 120,000 fans, surpassing the stadium's 80,000 capacity.{{Cite web |date=30 October 2022 |title=Stampede at Fally Ipupa concert kills 11 in DRC's capital |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/30/eleven-killed-in-stampede-in-concert-at-congolese-capital |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}
• On 25 December 2022, Héritier Watanabe held a concert at the stadium.{{Cite web |last= |date=26 December 2022 |title=Héritier Watanabe au stade des Martyrs: "J'ai été interpellé…avec interdiction d'atteindre 80.000 personnes" |trans-title=Watanabe Heir at Martyrs Stadium: "I was arrested...and banned from reaching 80,000 people" |url=https://www.strong2kinmoov.com/2022/12/26/heritier-watanabe-au-stade-des-martyrs-jai-ete-interpelleavec-interdiction-datteindre-80-000-personnes/ |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=Strong2kin Moov |language=fr-FR}}
• On 2 February 2023, Pope Francis presided over a congregational assembly attended by 80,000 youthful Congolese and catechists, during which he denounced tribalism, xenophobia, and corruption.{{Cite web |date=2 February 2023 |title=Les jeunes Congolais accueillent le pape François au stade des Martyrs à Kinshasa |trans-title=Young Congolese welcome Pope Francis at the Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa |url=https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20230202-les-jeunes-congolais-accueillent-le-pape-fran%C3%A7ois-au-stade-des-martyrs-%C3%A0-kinshasa |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=Radio France Internationale |language=fr}}{{Cite web |last=Henriot |first=Marine |date=2 February 2023 |title=Avec les jeunes Congolais, François exhorte à rejeter la corruption |trans-title=With young Congolese, François urges them to reject corruption |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/fr/pape/news/2023-02/pape-francois-rdc-kinshasa-jeunes-catechistes-avenir-stade.html |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=Vaticannews.va |language=fr}}
• On 24 June 2023, Ferré Gola performed at the stadium alongside Kenyan singer Victoria Kimani, attracting over 100,000 fans.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=26 June 2023 |title=Controversy surrounds Victoria Kimani's performance at historic concert |url=https://joerostv.co.ke/controversy-surrounds-victoria-kimanis-performance-at-historic-concert/ |access-date=12 September 2023 |website=Joeros TV |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=12 February 2024 |title=Ferre Gola qualifie son concert au Stade des Martyrs comme le plus beau moment de sa carrière |trans-title=Ferre Gola describes his concert at the Stade des Martyrs as the most beautiful moment of his career |url=https://mbote.cd/buzz/ferre-gola-qualifie-son-concert-au-stade-des-martyrs-comme-le-plus-beau-moment-de-sa-carriere/155556/ |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=Mbote.cd |language=fr-FR |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}
• On 19 November 2023, Congolese president Félix Tshisekedi kicked off his campaign for his second term in the 2023 general election at the Stade des Martyrs.{{Cite web |date=November 15, 2023 |title=Campagne électorale en RDC : Félix Tshisekedi se lance ce dimanche au stade des Martyrs |trans-title=Election campaign in the DRC: Félix Tshisekedi launches this Sunday at the Martyrs stadium |url=https://actualite.cd/2023/11/15/campagne-electorale-en-rdc-felix-tshisekedi-se-lance-ce-dimanche-au-stade-des-martyrs |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=Actualite.cd |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}{{Cite web |last=Dimanyayi |first=Christian |date=19 November 2023 |title=Tshisekedi au Stade de Martyrs : « Certains ont eu le pouvoir et n'ont pas été capables de construire une route ou encore un hôpital, et viendront dire qu'ils vont vous rendre riches » |trans-title=Tshisekedi at the Martyrs Stadium: "Some had the power and were not able to build a road or even a hospital, and will come and say that they will make you rich" |url=https://7sur7.cd/2023/11/19/tshisekedi-au-stade-de-martyrs-certains-ont-eu-le-pouvoir-et-nont-pas-ete-capables-de |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=7sur7.cd |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}
• On 20 January 2024, President Félix Tshisekedi was sworn in for a second five-year term following a highly contested election in front of a large international delegation at the stadium.{{Cite web |date=20 January 2024 |title=Félix Tshisekedi a prêté serment pour son deuxième mandat au stade des martyrs de Kinshasa |trans-title=Félix Tshisekedi was sworn in for his second term at the Kinshasa Martyrs Stadium |url=https://mbote.cd/actualites/felix-tshisekedi-a-prete-serment-pour-son-deuxieme-mandat-au-stade-des-martyrs-de-kinshasa/153956/ |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=Mbote.cd |language=fr-FR |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}{{Cite web |last=Gras |first=Romain |date=16 January 2024 |title=Ramaphosa, Déby Itno, Oligui Nguema… Qui seront les présidents présents à l'investiture de Tshisekedi? |trans-title=Ramaphosa, Déby Itno, Oligui Nguema… Who will be the presidents present at Tshisekedi's inauguration? |url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1525814/politique/ramaphosa-deby-itno-oligui-nguema-qui-seront-les-presidents-presents-a-linvestiture-de-tshisekedi/ |access-date=2 March 2024 |website=Jeune Afrique |language=fr |publication-place=Paris, France}}{{Cite web |date=20 January 2024 |title=DR Congo's President Tshisekedi sworn in for second term amid disputes |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/20/dr-congos-president-tshisekedi-sworn-in-for-second-term-amid-disputes |access-date=2 April 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en |publication-place=Doha, Qatar}} The event was marked by a military parade and 21-gun salute. Several African heads of state attended the ceremony.

• Stade Cardinal Malula
• Lists of stadiums

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category|Stade des Martyrs (Kinshasa)}}

• [https://cafe.daum.net/stade/Dlwn/24 Photos] at [https://cafe.daum.net/stade/ cafe.daum.net/stade]
• [http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/africa/dr_congo/kinshasa_martyrs.shtml Photos] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213163828/http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/africa/dr_congo/kinshasa_martyrs.shtml |date=13 February 2017 }} at [http://www.worldstadiums.com/ worldstadiums.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060316095418/http://www.worldstadiums.com/ |date=16 March 2006 }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120425230533/http://www.fecofa.cd/IMG/arton236.jpg Stadium picture]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070217114549/http://www.fussballtempel.net/caf/COD/Martyrs.jpg Photo] at [http://www.fussballtempel.net/ fussballtempel.net]

{{Kinshasa}}

{{coord|4|19|49.5|S|15|18|36.0|E|type:landmark|display=title}}

Category:Sports venues completed in 1994

Stade des Martyrs

Stade des Martyrs

Category:Sport in Kinshasa

Category:Athletics (track and field) venues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Congo, Democratic Republic of

Category:Football venues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Category:Chinese aid to Africa

Category:1994 establishments in Zaire

Category:Lukunga District