The third national congress of the Catholic Church in the DRC ended on Sunday June 11, 2023 in Lubumbashi. The representative of Pope Francis was present, as well as several personalities. Mgr. Fulgence Muteba Mugalu, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lubumbashi, called for the unity of the country. According to him, the Catholic Church symbolizes the unwavering unity of the DRC, a country blessed by God which continues to sink into disorder and misery.
During his speech, Bishop Fulgence Muteba also denounced the deterioration of the socio-economic situation in the DRC as well as the monopolization of the country’s wealth by an unscrupulous elite and multinationals.
The third congress of the DRC brought together several Catholic Christians from the country’s dioceses and lasted a week. A total of 48 dioceses from the DRC and those from other countries participated in this event, which takes place 43 years after the second Eucharistic Congress. It was to be held in 2020, but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Pope Francis’ visit to the DRC.
However, the country faces other problems such as the growing threat of armed groups, the deterioration of the socio-economic situation, police violence and attacks by the Codeco militia. In addition, the question of the monopolization of the country’s wealth by an elite and multinationals remains a hot topic, and the DRC must seek solutions to get out of poverty.
The DRC Mining Week 2023 organized this month of June in Lubumbashi lifts the veil on themes of digital transformation and the inclusion of women in the country’s mining industry – proof that the DRC is working to improve its situation and of its economy.
Finally, the following articles talk in more detail about other news in the country: the white rhinos reintroduced in the Garamba wildlife sanctuary, the violence in Kimbau and the rebellion in the DRC.