The reasons for President Félix Tshisekedi’s visit to Nkamba, the holy place of the Kimbanguist Church, arouse much interest and curiosity. Scheduled for Thursday October 12, 2023, this visit has a double meaning: to commemorate the death of Simon Kimbangu, which occurred on October 12, 1951 after thirty years of imprisonment, and to celebrate the birth of Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, on the same day in 1951.
Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, son of Papa Dialungana Kiangani Salomon and mother Kiwasisilua, has been the Spiritual Head and Legal Representative of the Kimbanguist Church since 2001. His presence in Nkamba for this double ceremony is therefore of great importance for the Kimbanguist community, and President Tshisekedi’s visit testifies to a rapprochement between the power in Kinshasa and one of the most influential local churches.
Many delegations are already present in Nkamba, awaiting this historic visit. President Tshisekedi’s visit to Nkamba is a major event which illustrates the importance of religion in Congolese society. The Kimbanguist Church, founded by Simon Kimbangu in 1921, has millions of faithful across the country. It plays an important role in the spiritual and social life of many Congolese.
President Tshisekedi’s visit to Nkamba is also seen as a gesture of gratitude to the Kimbanguist community for its support during the 2018 presidential elections. President Tshisekedi then benefited from the support of the Kimbanguist Church, which called on its faithful to vote for him. This visit therefore strengthens the links between the Congolese government and this important religious community.
Beyond its religious dimension, this visit shows the importance of the spiritual dimension in the lives of the Congolese. It also recalls the importance of religious tolerance and respect for different beliefs in the construction of a harmonious society. President Tshisekedi is thus sending a strong message by valuing and going to a place of worship of another religion, thus testifying to his open-mindedness and his desire to promote peace and unity in the country.
In conclusion, the visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba, the holy place of the Kimbanguist Church, is a historic event which strengthens the links between the power of Kinshasa and this important religious community. This visit testifies to the importance of the spiritual dimension and religious tolerance in Congolese society. It is also seen as a gesture of recognition towards the Kimbanguist community for its support during the presidential elections. Through this visit, President Tshisekedi sends a strong message of peace, unity and open-mindedness.