Press release on restoring the name of Patrice Lumumba to the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia

The Foreign Ministry welcomes the decision to restore the name of Patrice Lumumba, the world-famous fighter for the freedom and independence of Africa and a national hero of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University).

On March 23, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education assigned the relevant executive order. This was a long overdue and much awaited step towards restoring the historical truth of the times when the RUDN University was established. The reference is to Russia’s assistance in strengthening the sovereignty of independent states and training highly skilled national personnel.    

This decision results from the joint efforts supported by the leadership of the Russian Federation and the public both in Russia and all over the world, including the African diplomatic corps in Moscow and RUDN alumni.

Restoring to the RUDN University its historical name is yet another sign of Russia attaching special importance to Africa in its foreign policy and a token of its firm determination to facilitate the emergence of a new and just system of international relations free from colonialism and neo-colonialism.    

We are confident that this symbolic event, which takes place in the run-up to the second Russia-Africa Summit, will promote the further strengthening of the traditionally friendly ties between Russia and African nations.