The Provincial Episcopal Assembly of Bukavu (ASSEPB) recently held a six-day conclave in the diocese of Butembo-Beni, bringing together Catholic bishops from the dioceses of Bukavu, Uvira, Goma, Kasongo, Kindu and Butembo-Beni. At the heart of the discussions, the endemic insecurity plaguing this region of the Democratic Republic of Congo crystallized the concerns of the members of the Episcopal Assembly.
The pastoral situation, the security and socio-political context were reviewed during this conclave, highlighting crucial issues. The bishops expressed their deep concern over the encirclement of the city of Goma by the M23 rebels, the atrocities perpetrated by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the parallel administration in areas controlled by armed groups, as well as the forced enlistment of young people in the M23. The war displaced camps surrounding Goma are also the scene of alarming insecurity.
Beyond these observations, the bishops denounced the persistent weakness of the Congolese state, highlighting the infiltration of anti-values within the country’s political institutions. Theft, tribalism, nepotism, electoral fraud, corruption and other devastating practices undermine social cohesion and hinder the harmonious development of the nation. In this context, the Congolese people feel abandoned by a failing government.
Faced with this critical situation, the ASSEPB has formulated essential recommendations. In addition to calling for vigilance and unity among the Congolese population against any attempt to balkanize the country, the bishops sent a strong message to the international community. They urged international actors to respect the sovereignty of the DRC and cease all forms of abusive exploitation and interference. Echoing the words of former Pope John Paul II, the bishops stressed that the DRC is neither a mine to be exploited nor a land to be robbed.
The final declaration from the ASSEPB will be transmitted to the Congolese head of state, Félix Tshisekedi, in order to raise awareness among national authorities of the urgency of acting in the face of the multidimensional crisis the country is going through. In a context of major security, political and social challenges, the bishops’ call resonates as a cry of alarm for collective mobilization in favor of peace, justice and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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