The Catholic bishops of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) recently gathered at their 60th ordinary plenary assembly in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. The prelates notably evoked the socio-pastoral situation of the country, and looked into the question of security. They welcomed the Congolese government’s efforts to bring peace to the entire territory, but deplored the persistence of insecurity, particularly in the eastern part of the country.
In particular, the bishops expressed their concern about the resurgence of the rebel movement M23, supported by Rwanda, as well as the appearance and extension of the Mobondo militia in the western part of the country. This militia, which sows terror right up to the gates of Kinshasa, is believed to be maintained by political and economic interests of an occult nature.
The Catholic prelates have also castigated the activism in urban areas of the “Brigade Spéciale de l’UDPS, Force du Progrès” (BSU), which they consider a visibly maintained militia and which collaborates with the police to hunt down political opponents. .
Despite recommendations issued by CENCO for the reconsideration of the state of siege, the reduction of the standard of living of institutions to give more resources to the armed forces, and the strengthening of national cohesion, these recommendations have not been taken. into account.
Besides the security situation, the Bishops discussed other topics related to the socio-pastoral situation of the country, such as the Teke-Yaka conflict in the DRC and the 2022-2023 state exam. They also welcomed the development initiatives put in place by President Félix Tshisekedi for the well-being of the Congolese population.
In short, the CENCO meeting made it possible to highlight the major challenges of the Democratic Republic of Congo, both in terms of security and socio-economics. The Catholic Bishops have brought their voice to this important debate in the hope that lasting solutions can be found for the well-being of the Congolese population.