They express their “indignation that such violence persists in a province under a state of siege for several years”, where Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and those of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), along with the decades-long presence of the United Nations Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) are present.
“Paradoxically, it is precisely in these provinces that we continuously witness massacres and kidnappings of civilians. Unfortunately, this recurring scourge of human rights violations seems to have become commonplace, merely feeding the chronicles of both local and international press,” the Catholic Church leaders lament.
They add, “It is surprising that after so many years of serious killings, the competent security authorities have still not been able to accurately identify the attackers. No plausible explanation has been given to reassure the population.”
“Some speak of Islamist ADF, ADF/MTM ISCAP terrorists? Do these serial killers have an agenda? Who benefits from these crimes committed for several years against peaceful citizens?” they pose.
In response to the “grave violation of human dignity by assailants identified only as Islamist ADF, a terrorist organization among the nebulous constellation of armed groups ravaging the eastern part of our country”, CENCO members call for the “urgent implementation” of the Social Pact for Peace and Harmonious Coexistence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes, an initiative of CENCO members in collaboration with their counterparts in the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC).
They call on the Congolese Government to “conduct a thorough investigation yielding results into the human tragedy that occurred in Komanda, and to ensure that justice is done.”
In their July 28 statement, CENCO member express their “spiritual closeness to the innocent faithful of the Blessed Anuarite Komanda Parish in this terror unjustly inflicted upon them.”
“We entrust to God's mercy the innocent persons who lost their lives during these attacks. Our thoughts also go out to the injured and all those affected by these acts of violence,” they add.
CENCORE members further say, “May the People of God in Bunia, Butembo-Beni, and everywhere else where violence, attacks, and provocations against the Catholic Church prevail, not give in to panic.”
“Let us continue to pray and mobilize for lasting peace and harmonious coexistence, while cooperating with the competent security authorities. Through the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Consoler of the Afflicted, may God grant the grace of peace to our country, the Democratic Republic of Congo,” they implore.
