Protracted Violence, Emergence of New Militia among DR Congo Catholic Bishops’ Concerns

Between May 11 and 13, members of the Mobondo militia reportedly attacked villages in Kiwango Province, around 75 kilometers from Kinshasa, killing at least 11 people.

In their June 22 statement, Catholic Bishops in DRC also express concern about the Special Brigade of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), a wing of the ruling party, “which sometimes collaborates with the police to hunt down political opponents and other peaceful citizens with a critical view of the country’s current governance.”

CENCO members say it is unfortunate that their recommendations on security and national cohesion are not adhered to.

They cite their November 2022 statement in which they called for concerted efforts to address security challenges in the country that is home to Africa's largest Catholic population, saying, “The hour is critical. Our country is in danger."

In their June 22 statement, CENCO members acknowledge with appreciation the diplomatic, political, and military initiatives taken by the Congolese government to restore peace in the Central African nation.

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 "We particularly salute the bravery and patriotism of our Armed Forces, despite the difficult working conditions," Catholic Bishops in DRC say.

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.