Article: The historic visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba testifies to a significant rapprochement between the power of Kinshasa and the Kimbanguist Church
Thursday October 12, 2023 will remain engraved in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indeed, it was on this day that President Félix Tshisekedi made a remarkable visit to Nkamba, the sacred place of the Kimbanguiste Church. This trip marks a key moment in the relationship between political power and one of the most influential local churches in the country.
For four hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., President Tshisekedi participated in a double ceremony in Nkamba. On the one hand, he paid tribute to Simon Kimbangu, founder of the Kimbanguiste Church, who died on October 12, 1951 after thirty years of imprisonment. On the other hand, it celebrated the birth of Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, the son of Papa Dialungana Kiangani Salomon and Maman Kiwasisilua, considered an important spiritual figure by the faithful.
The presence of President Tshisekedi in Nkamba testifies to a significant political and spiritual rapprochement. Sources indicate that many delegations were already present on site, testifying to the importance of this event for the Kimbague community.
The Kimbanguiste Church, founded in 1921, has millions of faithful across the country and plays an important role in the religious and social life of the DRC. This visit by President Tshisekedi to Nkamba is a strong signal sent to this community, showing the openness of political power to religious diversity and its desire to strengthen ties with the different religious groups in the country.
This visit also raises hopes and expectations among the faithful of the Kimbanguiste Church. They hope that this meeting will pave the way for better recognition and consideration of their concerns by the Congolese authorities.
President Tshisekedi’s visit to Nkamba is an important step in building a harmonious relationship between the Congolese state and the different religious denominations present in the country. It demonstrates the president’s desire to promote freedom of religion and respect for each person’s beliefs.
In conclusion, the visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba marks a historic moment in relations between political power and the Kimbanguist Church. It testifies to a significant rapprochement and a desire to build a harmonious relationship between the Congolese State and the different religious denominations of the country. This visit raises hopes and expectations among the faithful, who want better recognition of their concerns by the authorities. Let us hope that this meeting opens the way to a fruitful collaboration for the well-being of the Congolese nation.