A Quiet Departure in Paris
News of Natalia Jeltoborodova Djombo’s passing reached Brazzaville in the early hours of October 25, prompting quiet condolences in diplomatic and parliamentary circles. The 72-year-old wife of former Minister of State Henri Djombo passed away in a Paris clinic after a brief illness.
Although she never held public office, Mrs. Djombo maintained a visible profile during her husband’s tenure, accompanying delegations, organizing cultural events, and supporting local charities. Her friends remember her measured words and her love for classical music, which softened many official receptions.
A Gathering of Diplomats and Relatives
The Congolese Embassy in France activated its protocol unit as soon as the family confirmed the funeral date. The ambassador, joined by his wife and the minister-counselor, coordinated transport, seating arrangements, and security with French authorities.
Congolese expatriates traveled from Marseille, Lyon, and Bondy to stand with the relatives in Villetaneuse. Some arrived draped in national colors, others wore simple black. The atmosphere, observers recall, wavered between contained grief and the quiet satisfaction that the community could mourn collectively in the diaspora.
Ceremony at the Joncherolles Funeral Home
On October 31, the Joncherolles funeral home, a modern complex north of Paris, opened its doors before dawn. Inside, a white-draped coffin rested amid tropical flowers shipped from Pointe-Noire. A small choir hummed religious hymns as guests signed the condolence book.
A brief liturgy followed, led by a priest of Congolese origin based in Paris. He described Mrs. Djombo as “a bridge between cultures whose kindness never asked to be photographed.” No political speeches were made, honoring the family’s request for an apolitical farewell.
The Return Home to Brazzaville
After the body was released, mortuary staff proceeded to close the coffin at 11:00 AM. The tricolor flag of the Republic of the Congo was folded and placed on the coffin before pallbearers pushed it towards a waiting hearse, bound for Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport.
Air France confirmed a cargo space on its evening flight to Kinshasa, with a connection to Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville. Consular officers oversaw customs formalities while relatives prepared immigration documents for the mourning attendants. The entire procedure proceeded without administrative issues.
The Quiet Grief of Henri Djombo
The former Minister of State and current deputy of Enyellé spent most of the vigil in an adjoining room, receiving visitors in small groups. Witnesses noted his restraint, describing a man grateful for the condolences but determined to shield his children from prolonged public attention.
Mr. Djombo thanked the embassy team for what he called “the Republic’s unwavering solidarity with one of its families abroad.” He declined any further comment, instead promising a public statement only after the repatriation ceremonies scheduled in Brazzaville later in the week.