DR Congo’s Bishops Condemn as “reckless, unfounded” Deputy Prime Minister’s Allegations against Catholic Church

“Indeed, in light of the current socio-political context, this belligerent media outburst suggests that Mr. Jean-Pierre Bemba is struggling to accept the courageous and beneficial decision made by the Republic’s institutions and the entire nation: to resolve the current crisis threatening national unity and territorial integrity through peaceful means,” they say.

CENCO members continue, “One is left to wonder whether Mr. Bemba, through his remarks, wishes to drag the country back to the dark times when he was responsible for the deaths of innocent people in Kisangani and Kinshasa.”

In a June 9 interview with Top Congo FM, Mr. Bemba accused CENCO members and other politicians of a plot to overthrow President Felix Tshisekedi and destabilize national institutions.

“I accuse Mr. Hippolyte Kanambe, alias Joseph Kabila, Moïse Katumbi Soriano, and certain leading figures of CENCO of being the authors of an attempt to destabilize the State, and also of endangering State security by seeking to eliminate the Head of State,” Mr. Bemba said.

He called on Congolese citizens to remain vigilant to thwart the “enemy’s plan”, criticizing CENCO’s Social Pact for Peace and Harmonious Coexistence approach as “a dialogue aimed at ousting the current Head of State, Félix Tshisekedi.”

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In the June 11 statement, CENCO members say, “True to its prophetic mission, the Catholic Church remains committed to promoting and defending peace in our country.”

“It is therefore unacceptable that a public figure, driven by personal considerations and blatant hostility toward his fellow citizens, would dare to defy reason, common sense, and the respect due to institutions,” the Catholic Bishops further say.

They note that no official response has come from the Republic’s institutions or Bemba’s superiors “despite the seriousness” of his statements.

“Normally, the Prosecutor General as well as the National Assembly should take up this matter on their own initiative in order to shed full light on these various allegations and draw the necessary legal consequences,” CENCO members say.

They urge Catholics to pray for Mr Bemba so that the “Spirit of peace may descend upon him and steer him away from the violence he is promoting.”

“In the interest of protecting both national and international opinion from blatant manipulation and preserving the achievements of collective peace efforts, CENCO also reserves the right to seek legal action,” the Catholic Church leaders say.

They reaffirm their “determination to resolutely defend the values of truth, justice, dialogue, and reconciliation.”

CENCO members call on the Congolese people “not to give in to manipulation, divisive or hateful rhetoric, and to remain vigilant, united, and mobilized in defense of our peaceful coexistence, which is the foundation of national unity.”

“Through the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Congo, may the Lord bless the DRC and its leaders,” the Catholic Bishops implore.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.