On May 25, 2020 the family of the ICDO and the National Civil Protection of the Democratic Republic of the Congo lost an outstanding man, a great professional, and a dear friend - Mr. Jean Kitambala.

Mr. Kitambala lost his life at the age of 67 following a short illness. However, his life was full of joy, adventures, and success; he joined the body of civil protection in 1988 and became its National Director in 1999. For more than 30 years, he travelled his country devoting all of his life and his expertise to serve the Congolese population. He was a man of letters but also a man of the field, sparing no effort to try to meet the challenges of his country in terms of disaster prevention and management.

Beyond his national functions, Mr. Kitambala participated for more than 20 years in the activities and meetings of the ICDO. He was an eminently respected and appreciated member; a man of genuine charisma and a vast experience; a defender of the cause of Congolese civil protection and the development of the ICDO, making it the international benchmark that 'it' has become nowadays.

In 2012, he was elevated to the rank of Knight of the International Order of Civil Protection for his exemplary work in the service of others.

As Mr. Kitambala leaves us today, our sadness is inconsolable.

May his soul rest in peace and may his commitment and his sacrifice survive as a reference and an example for the whole family of civil defense throughout the world.