President Félix Tshisekedi recently made an important visit to Nkamba, the holy place of the Kimbanguist Church, on Thursday October 12, 2023. This trip has a particular meaning, symbolizing the rapprochement between the power of Kinshasa and one of the local churches the most influential.
For four hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., President Tshisekedi participated in a double ceremony. The first, in commemoration of the death of Simon Kimbangu on October 12, 1951, marking the end of thirty years of imprisonment. The second, to celebrate 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. As spiritual leader and legal representative of the Kimbanguist Church since 2001, he plays a central role in this religious institution.
Preparations for this presidential visit to Nkamba had been underway for some time, and many delegations were already on hand for the event. It is an opportunity for President Tshisekedi to show his respect and support for the Kimbanguist community, showing openness to religious diversity and the unity of the country.
This presidential visit marks an important step in relations between the power in place and the different religious beliefs in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It demonstrates President Tshisekedi’s desire to promote dialogue and strengthen religious harmony in the country.
In conclusion, the visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba, the holy place of the Kimbanguist Church, is a strong symbol of the rapprochement between the power of Kinshasa and this influential religious community. This event demonstrates the president’s desire to promote unity and religious harmony within the Democratic Republic of Congo.