Speaking to journalists following a visit to the hospital on Friday, October 24, Archbishop Utembi condemned the rising wave of insecurity that has now reached even medical and religious institutions.
“We are deeply saddened by what has just happened,” the Congolese Catholic Archbishop said.
He added, “The people of Kisangani are suffering. Not a week goes by without three, four, or even five cases of robbery being reported. We call on our governors to take matters into their own hands so that security services can do their work effectively. The government must provide them with the necessary resources.”
“I call on the public authorities to secure the population. The authorities must take responsibility to guarantee the safety of people and their belongings,” Archbishop Utembi said.
The robbery at Kabondo Hospital comes less than a week after similar incidents targeting St. Paul the Apostle Parish and Chem Chem ya Mazima High School, both located in central Kisangani.
“The same pattern repeats itself—armed men who first immobilize and neutralize the guards before looting. The Chem Chem ya Mazima High School was robbed, then the St. Paul Parish house was completely ransacked. The Priests were threatened with death, and they are now deeply traumatized,” the Catholic Church leader lamented.
He noted that the modus operandi of the hospital attackers was identical, saying, “Here at the hospital, they traumatized the guards and went from one ward to another, taking everything. Staff were threatened at gunpoint, and even the sick were left terrified. This is the reality we are facing.”
“The population is dying. We already face threats from rebel groups like MB3 near Kisangani, yet no measures are taken to secure the city long-term. Authorities must act now to protect our people and prevent the enemy from advancing,” he said.
Archbishop Utembi called on both the government and citizens to work together for peace and safety.
“Security is not only the state’s affair—it is everyone’s responsibility. But the government remains the primary guarantor of safety. We are ready to cooperate and contribute in every possible way. I urge the competent authorities to carry out thorough investigations and bring these wrongdoers to justice,” he said.
