Waterloo proclaims Congolese Independence Day and World Refugee Day; community leaders urge ongoing support

Mayor Dayna Boesen read two proclamations at a June 26 ceremony recognizing the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s independence and World Refugee Day, calling on Waterloo residents to mark the observances and to support refugees and Congolese Americans in the community.

The mayor proclaimed June 30, 2026, as Democratic Republic of the Congo Independence Day, noting the country’s independence on June 30, 1960, its cultural and economic contributions and the humanitarian crises that continue to affect parts of the country. Boesen said the proclamation “encourages all residents to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, resilience, and contributions of the Congolese people” and calls for solidarity with Congolese Americans.

Boesen then proclaimed June 20, 2026, as World Refugee Day, citing the United Nations designation and urging local support for resettlement efforts. The proclamation reaffirmed Waterloo’s commitment to inclusion and to working with volunteers and organizations that assist refugees and newcomers.

Bijou Bah Ball Yau, a regional representative of UNA-USA and a local refugee and immigrant advocate, thanked the mayor and linked the two observances. Citing United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees figures, Ball Yau said “more than 122 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced, including over 43 million refugees and more than 70 million internally displaced persons,” and urged residents to remember refugees as individuals: “Refugees are not statistics. They are survivors carrying hope in the face of unimaginable hardship.”

Community leaders who attended the proclamation — including the president of the Congolese diaspora, Pastor Shabani Mubibia, and other local leaders — spoke in appreciation of the recognition and asked the mayor to maintain an open-door policy so residents can bring forward concerns and requests for assistance. One leader described Waterloo as “a welcoming community” and thanked city departments for their work supporting refugees and immigrants.

The proclamations are ceremonial recognitions; no formal council action or vote was recorded at the event. The ceremony concluded with additional remarks of thanks, prayers and a request from community members for continued engagement between the city and refugee and immigrant communities.