His team was eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations in a heartbreaking way on Tuesday, but the Democratic Republic of Congo's human statue Michel Kuka Mboladinga will be remembered as one of the most impressive supporters of the tournament.
Michel Kuka Mboladinga
Kuka, dressed in colorful clothes, became famous for standing still during every match, looking up toward the sky with his right arm raised and palm open.
He has become a media sensation, and on Tuesday, he was joined by hundreds of Congolese fans who traveled to Morocco. The government of the DRC covered the cost of their trip.
They sat in the stands in Rabat for the last-16 match against Algeria, which the Leopards lost 1-0 in extra time.
Kuka's pose is inspired by a statue of Patrice Lumumba, a key figure in Congolese independence and former prime minister.
Lumumba was the country's first prime minister in 1960 and was assassinated the next year by separatists from Katanga and Belgian mercenaries.
His body was dissolved in acid and never found, though remains, including a tooth, were later discovered in Belgium.
This event remains one of the darkest chapters in the history of relations between Belgium and its former colony. Congolese fans at the Africa Cup of Nations shared their pride in seeing Kuka's tribute to Lumumba.
During a gathering in Casablanca before the match against Algeria, 30-year-old Laetitia Malula said, "Kuka is our brother. He has chosen to imitate Lumumba, our hero. That is why we chant his name."
DR Congo's participation in the Cup of Nations has happened during an ongoing conflict in the east of the country near the border with Rwanda.
The conflict has been going on since 2021 with the rise of the M23 armed group, which is supported by Rwanda.
Kuka did not speak to AFP, as he seems to have stepped away from the spotlight due to the huge media attention.
However, Jered Bitobo, head of communication for the supporters group that Kuka belongs to, described his pose as "a sign of peace."
"He is sending a strong message both locally and internationally.
The open palm is a symbol of peace, and we need peace in our country," Bitobo said.
It is known that Kuka first performed this pose several years ago during matches of the top Congolese club, AS Vita Club.