Article: Behind the scenes of President Félix Tshisekedi’s visit to Nkamba
Thursday October 12, 2023 will mark a historic event in the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Félix Tshisekedi will visit Nkamba, the holy place of the Kimbanguist Church. This visit marks a significant rapprochement between the power of Kinshasa and one of the most influential local churches.
Lasting 4 hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this visit has a double symbolism. First of all, it commemorates the death of Simon Kimbangu, which occurred on October 12, 1951 after thirty years of imprisonment. Simon Kimbangu is an emblematic figure of the Kimbanguist Church and his death is celebrated each year with fervor by his faithful.
At the same time, this visit also celebrates the birth of Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, son of Papa Dialungana Kiangani Salomon and mother Kiwasisilua. Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani has held the position of Spiritual Leader and Legal Representative of the Kimbanguist Church since 2001. His presence in Nkamba during this presidential visit underlines the importance given to this religious institution.
According to consistent sources, numerous delegations are already present on site in Nkamba, testifying to the importance of this event for the Kimbanguist community and the Congolese population as a whole.
This visit by President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba is a strong gesture which demonstrates his desire for rapprochement with different religious communities in the country. It also marks a commitment to freedom of religion and recognition of the social and cultural role of churches in Congolese society.
Nkamba, holy place of the Kimbanguist Church, is a symbol of resistance and deep spirituality for its faithful. By choosing to go there, President Tshisekedi is sending a strong message of respect and openness towards this religious community which counts millions of faithful across the country.
This presidential visit will undoubtedly be a moment full of emotion and spirituality. It will mark an important milestone in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo and will strengthen the links between political power and the country’s different religious communities.
In conclusion, the visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba is an event to be marked with a white stone. It demonstrates its openness and respect towards the different religious communities of the country. This visit also reinforces the importance of freedom of religion and recognition of the role of churches in Congolese society. October 12, 2023 will therefore be remembered as a day full of meaning and emotion for the Kimbanguist community and for all the Congolese people.