President Félix Tshisekedi recently visited Nkamba, the holy place of the Kimbanguist Church. This trip marks an important rapprochement between the power of Kinshasa and one of the most influential local churches.
The President’s visit to Nkamba took place on Thursday, October 12, 2023 and lasted approximately 4 hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This day was doubly symbolic for the Kimbaguists, because it marked both the death of Simon Kimbangu in 1951 after thirty years of imprisonment, as well as the birth of Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani on the same day and the same year.
Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani is the son of Papa Dialungana Kiangani Salomon and mother Kiwasisilua. He is married to Lumuenedio Sidonie and has one child. Since 2001, he has held the position of Spiritual Leader and Legal Representative of the Kimbanguist Church.
Many delegations were present in Nkamba for this event, testifying to the importance of President Tshisekedi’s visit to this religious community. This meeting between political power and the Kimbanguist Church is a sign of recognition and dialogue, allowing a rapprochement between the two entities.
The visit also has a political dimension, with President Tshisekedi seeking to establish strong relationships with the country’s religious leaders. The Kimbanguist Church has many faithful and its influence on the Congolese population is undeniable. By going to Nkamba, the president wishes to show his willingness to listen and collaborate with all components of Congolese society.
This approach to bringing together political power and religious institutions can be seen as a step towards better mutual understanding and more inclusive governance. By recognizing the importance of religion in the lives of the Congolese, President Tshisekedi is sending a strong signal of his desire to build a united and harmonious country.
The visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba therefore marked a significant moment in relations between the political power and the Kimbanguist Church. This gesture demonstrates the importance given to religious diversity and the need for constructive dialogue for the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo.