While Independence Day is usually a time of celebration for Congolese people, Goulburn Valley Congolese Association president Jean Marie Mupenda said due to the "dramatic situation" in his homeland, this year called for discussion, mediation and reflection.
“We usually have a party, music, dance but this year is for formal reflection, because we are not yet independent,” Mr Mupenda said.
“There are still people living in fear, people being killed . . . we are not yet free.
“People from other countries need to support the full independence of the Congo.”
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Before 1885, several kingdoms existed freely in the Congo until the land was handed to Belgian King Leopold II at the Conference of Berlin.
Under his rule, the colonised state was one with regular instances of brutality - with mutilation, tortures and killings seen as legal punishment for poor work or desertion.
In the early 1900s, English and American journalists visited the Congo and reported on the continued abuses of the state.
Eventually, political pressure reigned, and the king was subject to a formal investigation.
On June 30, 1960, the Congo formally received its independence from Belgium, Joseph Kasavuba was elected president and Patrice Lumumba was elected prime minister of the nation.
But a year later, Lumumba was assassinated, and the Congo has been subject to corruption, genocide and warfare ever since.
“The journalists showed that people outside the Congo can do something to change things,” Mr Mupenda said.
“We want to unite everybody to share information, to have ideas . . . we need to work as a community to bring justice in the Congo.
“I have hope, because powerful leaders in our global village can change things . . . people in the Congo need freedom and independence, just like we enjoy here in Australia.”
The free event will take place from 5 pm to 8 pm on Saturday, July 3 at St Paul's African House, Shepparton.
It is supported by the Ethnic Council of Shepparton, the Voice for Silent People and African House.
Masks are mandatory.
