Félix Tshisekedi goes to Nkamba: a gesture of rapprochement between power and the Kimbanguist Church
On Thursday October 12, 2023, President Félix Tshisekedi visited Nkamba, the holy place of the Kimbanguist Church. This trip is of great importance, testifying to the rapprochement between the power of Kinshasa and one of the most influential local churches.
The presidential visit to Nkamba lasted four hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and was marked by two special ceremonies. The first commemorated the death of Simon Kimbangu on October 12, 1951, after thirty years of imprisonment. The second celebrated the birth of Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, son of Papa Dialungana Kiangani Salomon and mother Kiwasisilua, who is today the Spiritual Head and Legal Representative of the Kimbanguist Church since 2001.
The presence of numerous delegations on site in Nkamba testifies to the importance of this event. This visit by President Tshisekedi marks a turning point in relations between the power in place and the Kimbanguist Church, which has many faithful and plays a major role in Congolese society.
The meeting between President Tshisekedi and the religious leaders of the Kimbanguist Church is a sign of recognition and openness. It demonstrates the president’s desire to strengthen ties with the religious community and work together for the development of the country.
The Kimbanguist Church embodies strong values such as peace, reconciliation and solidarity, making it a valuable partner for the government in its efforts to promote socio-economic development and the well-being of the Congolese population.
In conclusion, the visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba is a significant gesture of rapprochement between the government and the Kimbanguist Church. This meeting symbolizes the importance of religion in Congolese society and opens the way to fruitful collaboration between the government and the religious community for the development of the country.