Ex-Texas Tech football player running for president in African homeland | Williams
The next presidential election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is scheduled for Dec. 20, and Texas Tech football fans might recognize a name on the ballot.
Patrice Majondo-Mwamba, the former Red Raiders defensive lineman, declared his candidacy in late September and officially registered a few days ago. A short summary of his press conference was posted on the website of the Independent National Electoral Commission, whose acronym is CENI.
Majondo-Mwamba is quoted as telling reporters he got involved in the presidential race "because spending ten years in the DRC, mainly in Kinshasa, I realize that our politicians do not pay attention to the most important wealth that this country has, which is not mines, drinking water, or even less forests. On the other hand, it's youth.
"For us today, human capital is our country's greatest asset. Young people are the future of our country, and no one is talking about it. With this candidacy, I have decided to take the leadership of these young people."
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Majondo-Mwamba is 44 years old, born in July 1979 in the Congo. At age 11, Majondo-Mwamba was sent to a boarding school in Belgium before the breakout of civil war in the Congo, the second-largest country in Africa. Today its population is estimated at around 102 million.
Majondo-Mwamba transferred to Tech from Hartnell College in California, redshirted with the Red Raiders in 2002 and lettered in 2003 and 2004 in the defensive line rotation. Later, he spent time as a practice squad player with the Denver Broncos, a stint with the Kansas City Chiefs and three seasons in NFL Europe playing for the Rhein Fire and the Amsterdam Admirals.
Majondo-Mwamba's running as an independent and according to the CENI, he's one of 24 candidates who've declared for the presidential race. That includes incumbent Felix Tshisekedi.
"Our Congo, Our Pride" posted a social media statement by Majondo-Mwamba in late September. It read, in part:
"The Democratic Republic of Congo is on the brink of transformation, and at the heart of that transformation is 'Our Congo, Our Pride,' a global movement led by young people. This is not just a call to action, but a statement by our young people that they are not only the future, but the present, and they will redefine our nation.
"Our vision for Congo is clear: a country where transparency in governance and collective wellbeing are essential. We dream of a democratic Republic of Congo where every citizen, fed by the work of his hands and the passion of his heart, truly flourishes. The riches of Congo are not only in its soil but also in its people, especially in its youth. By investing in them, we are laying the foundations of a society where opportunity is a birthright!
"Our aspirations don't stop at our borders. We will redefine the image of the Democratic Republic of Congo on the international stage by highlighting our shared dreams and achievements. Through strengthened ties with the international community, we welcome collaborations that resonate with our objectives. The Democratic Republic of Congo is a country brimming with potential, the essence of which is reflected in the resilience and dynamism of its youth."
Because of his several years spent in Belgium, Majondo-Mwamba was once touted as a standard bearer for American football players from that European country. However, he seemed to always have a heart for wanting to help his war-torn African homeland. At one point, he had a foundation whose stated mission was to provide resources for education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Now he's trying to achieve something with far more impact.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Ex-Texas Tech football player running for president in African homeland
