Title: The Persistent Crisis in the DRC: Lay Catholics Call for Dialogue to Restore Stability and Peace
Introduction :
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces an ongoing crisis that concerns Catholic laity. Gathered within the Secular Coordination Committee (CLC), they believe that the only solution to get out of this crisis is dialogue. In a message addressed to the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, the Catholic faithful stress the importance of collaboration between the main political and social leaders to find adequate responses to the multiple challenges facing the country.
A deeply divided and precarious country:
The situation in the DRC is characterized by deep internal division, exacerbated by the war in the east of the country. Lay Catholics note that this situation fuels precariousness, aggravated by the rising cost of living. The Congolese people, discouraged, have lost confidence and are subject to all kinds of rumors and manipulations.
Electoral governance issues:
The Catholic faithful share Cardinal Ambongo’s opinion regarding electoral governance in the DRC. They underline the internal difficulties it faces and the importance of finding solutions to avoid chaos or an illegitimate seizure of power. The CLC insists on the need to guarantee the legitimacy of the power resulting from the elections.
The reminder of the exhortation of Pope Francis:
Lay Catholics recall the exhortation of Pope Francis during his visit to the DRC: “Courage, Congolese brothers and sisters, get up! Take back in your hands, like a very pure diamond, what you are: your dignity, your vocation to keep in harmony and peace the house you live in!” They call on the Congolese people to pull themselves together and act to put an end to the crisis.
The vigilance of the CLC:
The Lay Coordination Committee remains vigilant and attentive to the evolution of the situation in the DRC. He says that in the absence of a consensual solution, he will stand in the front line to defend the interest of the population. Lay Catholics express their concern at the rise in insecurity, in particular the kidnapping and theft of children, as well as the assassination of the deputy Chérubin Okende. They call for appeasement and a return to national solidarity to build peace.
Conclusion :
The persistent crisis in the DRC requires dialogue between political and social actors to find adequate responses. Lay Catholics call for the mobilization of all to restore stability and peace. By following the exhortation of Pope Francis, it is possible to overcome this crisis and build a better future for the Congolese people. The vigilance of the CLC is essential to defend the interest of the population and face the challenges that arise