Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, recently visited Nkamba, the holy site of the Kimbanguist Church. This visit is of great significance, since it marks a rapprochement between the power of Kinshasa and one of the most influential churches in the country.
President Tshisekedi visited Nkamba on October 12, 2023 for a commemorative ceremony. This date is particularly important for Kimbanguists, because it marks both the death of Simon Kimbangu, an emblematic figure of the church, after thirty years of imprisonment, as well as the birth of Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, considered his spiritual successor. .
The president’s visit to Nkamba attracted numerous delegations, testifying to the importance of this event for the Kimbanguist community. For four hours, President Tshisekedi participated in ceremonies in honor of Simon Kimbangu and Papa Simon Kimbangu Kiangani, thus highlighting the importance given to religion and cultural diversity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This visit also marks a step towards reconciliation between the political power and the country’s religious institutions. By going to Nkamba, President Tshisekedi is sending a strong signal of respect and openness towards the country’s different religious communities, thus showing his desire to work hand in hand with them for the development of the country.
It is interesting to note that this visit occurs in a context of search for stability and national unity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Tshisekedi, who took office in 2019, has pledged to work for the well-being of all Congolese people, regardless of their religious beliefs.
In conclusion, the visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to Nkamba, the holy place of the Kimbanguist Church, is an encouraging sign of rapprochement between political power and religious institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This visit testifies to the importance given to religious diversity and the search for stability and national unity in the country.