Republic of the Congo
La Congolaise
The Congolese
1959
1959
Jacques Tondra / Georges Kibanghi
Jean Royer / Joseph Spadiliere
🗽 Independence 🤝 Unity 🏺 Ancestors / Heritage |
Context
Adopted before independence in 1959, the anthem was restored in 1991 after being replaced during the Marxist-Leninist era (1969-1991) when the country used 'Les Trois Glorieuses' as its anthem. The restoration accompanied the country's transition to multiparty democracy.
Lyrics
En ce jour le soleil se leve
Et notre Congo resplendit.
Une longue nuit s'acheve,
Un grand bonheur a surgi.
Chantons tous avec ivresse
Le chant de la liberte.
Congolais, debout fierement partout,
Proclamons l'union de notre nation.
Oublions ce qui nous divise,
Soyons plus unis que jamais.
Vivons pour notre devise:
Unite, travail, progres.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Interesting facts
- • The anthem was replaced during the Marxist era with 'Les Trois Glorieuses' and restored when the country returned to democracy in 1991
- • Republic of the Congo and DR Congo are neighboring countries that share the name Congo but have completely different anthems
- • The national motto 'Unity, Work, Progress' featured in the anthem is still the country's official motto