DR Congo celebrate 50 years of independence from colonial rule

50 years ago today the Democratic Republic of Congo achieved independence.

There was much fanfare and celebration as the country was steered on a new path by Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba and Joseph Kasavubu, who was elected the country's first president.

Lumumba and Kasavubu had a short honeymoon period before their swift removal.

Their demise heralded half a century of wars, coups and turmoil.

So what will today's festivities highlight in a nation which has seen much sorrow in half a century?

BBC Network Africa's Bola Mosuro spoke to our correspondent in Kinshasa, Thomas Fessy.

She began by asking him about the mood surrounding today's event.