Félix Tshisekedi Attends Funeral of Civil Rights Leader Reverend Jesse Jackson

Kinshasa, March 8, 2026 - CHICAGO, USA March 6, 2026 - Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi attended the funeral of civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson in Chicago on Friday, paying tribute to the late activist whose lifelong commitment to racial equality and social justice left a profound mark globally.

The DRC Presidency noted that Tshisekedi’s presence also honored Jackson’s historic ties to the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly during its most challenging democratic transitions. Jackson’s work as US Special Envoy for Africa, including meetings with Étienne Tshisekedi, was highlighted as a pivotal moment in DRC-U.S. relations.

Jackson, who passed away on February 17, 2026, at age 84, was a central figure in the American Civil Rights Movement and collaborated closely with Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. His activism and global influence continue to resonate in Africa and beyond.

President Tshisekedi’s attendance at the ceremony underscores both personal respect and the DRC’s recognition of Jackson’s enduring legacy in supporting democratic values and human rights on the African continent.