Political and religious issues intersect in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church oppose the controversial composition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and are heavily involved in monitoring the electoral process . However, the arrival of Norbert Basengezi Katintima as head of the Protestant lay ministry raises suspicions about possible government interference in the Church.
The collaboration between the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CenCo) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) within the framework of a joint electoral observation mission disturbed the power in place. This electoral observation platform, accompanied by the Carter Center, brings together competent observers responsible for monitoring various aspects of the electoral process. However, the mission’s initial observations revealed irregularities in the registration of voters by the Ceni. Faced with this growing protest and the uncertain evolution of the electoral process, certain political networks of power are seeking to break the unity between CenCo and the ECC, starting with Milapro.
Norbert Basengezi Katintima, former vice-president of Ceni and member of the Sacred Union, was chosen to head the Ministry of Protestant Laity (Milapro). However, his appointment is contested by Jeff Pambi, outgoing national secretary of Milapro, who denounces practices of corruption and influence peddling during the election. According to him, Basengezi Katintima at the head of Milapro would be an attempt to caporize the Church by political power. This situation arouses the concern of Protestants, who call to oppose this interference.
The political and religious situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is complex and changing. Tensions between the Catholic and Protestant churches, as well as their engagement in the electoral process, are being carefully monitored. The disputed appointment of Norbert Basengezi Katintima as head of Milapro raises questions about the independence of religious institutions from political power. It is essential to follow closely the development of this situation and its consequences on the ongoing electoral process in the country