President Félix Tshisekedi recently made a symbolic trip to Nkamba, the holy place of the Kimbanguist Church. This visit demonstrates a rapprochement between the power of Kinshasa and one of the most influential churches in the country.
On October 12, 2023, President Tshisekedi went to Nkamba to participate in a double ceremony. On the one hand, it commemorated the death of Simon Kimbangu on October 12, 1951, after thirty years of imprisonment. On the other hand, he celebrated the birth of Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, also on October 12 but in 1951.
Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani is the son of Papa Dialungana Kiangani Salomon and mother Kiwasisilua. Since 2001, he has held the position of Spiritual Leader and Legal Representative of the Kimbanguist Church.
The presence of President Tshisekedi in Nkamba prompted the arrival of numerous delegations there. This event symbolizes a step towards rapprochement between the government and the Kimbanguist Church, thus showing the importance of religion in political and social life in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Beyond the religious aspect, this visit also highlights the importance of cultural and religious diversity in the country. The DRC is a country where many beliefs and traditions coexist, and President Tshisekedi seems aware of the importance of respecting and valuing this diversity.
In conclusion, the visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba, the holy place of the Kimbanguist Church, is a sign of rapprochement between power and one of the most influential churches in the country. This visit echoes the importance of religion and cultural diversity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.