Afro-Swiss Spotlight: Félicienne Lusamba Villoz-Muamba

Meet Félicienne Lusamba Villoz-Muamba (1956–2019), a lawyer, intercultural mediator, activist, and politician dedicated to advancing anti-racist and feminist causes in Switzerland.

At the age of six, Félicienne moved to Brussels to live with relatives, where she later pursued law studies in Brussels and Paris. Her legal education equipped her with the skills and knowledge that fueled her lifelong activism. Early in her career, she worked for the Congolese Embassy in Bern, reflecting her deep connection to both her African heritage and Swiss society. After marrying, she settled with her family in Biel, where she worked as a family planning and sexual health advisor.

In 2000, Villoz-Muamba joined the Green Party and quickly made history. She served as a City Councillor in Biel from 2000 to 2008 and was elected to the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern in 2008, becoming the first parliamentarian with African roots in both Biel and the Canton of Bern. Due to health reasons, she stepped down from her role in 2010.

Villoz-Muamba was a staunch advocate against racism. In 2000, she co-founded CRAN (Carrefour de Réflexion et d'Action Contre le Racisme Anti-Noir), Switzerland’s largest organization dedicated to combating anti-Black racism. From 2009 until her passing in 2019, she served as CRAN’s president, leading the organization through a decade of impactful advocacy.

In addition to her work with CRAN, Villoz-Muamba co-founded several associations and platforms dedicated to feminist and anti-racist initiatives. Her legacy is one of courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication to justice and equality.

We at Afro Swiss Families applaud Félicienne Lusamba Villoz-Muamba’s groundbreaking work and lifelong commitment to anti-racism and gender equality. Her leadership and vision continue to inspire our efforts to create inclusive spaces and advocate for the rights of Afro-Swiss families and communities.