DR Congo’s Catholic Bishops Condemn “violence based on linguistic expression”, Call for National Unity

“CENCO is all the more indignant to see certain ‘pastors’ exploiting the platforms of their churches and other preaching settings to hold speeches that incite discrimination, hatred, and violence against other Congolese men and women because of their origin, language, or morphology,” DRC’s Catholic Bishops lament. 

Recalling the national unity of yesteryears, the Catholic Bishops note that a native of Congo Centrale was once elected Governor and member of parliament of Goma, and that presidential candidates from both the Western and Eastern parts of the country had received support across the regions.  

“Today, unfortunately, we are experiencing a regression that cannot fail to concern us,” CENCO members lament.

They warn that the growing discrimination against Swahili speakers risks igniting inter-community conflict and exacerbating the violence that has long plagued the nation. 

They appeal for maturity and call on “all the communities that make up the Congolese nation, not to be misled by those who preach division and the hunting down of Swahili-speakers, people from the East or foreigners, as an expression of patriotism and paths to peace for our country.”

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The Catholic Church leaders advocate for “compassion and solidarity” toward those displaced by war and insecurity, emphasizing the need to offer hospitality and support to those in distress.

Addressing the Congolese authorities, CENCO members call on the government to “assume its responsibilities” in protecting all segments of the population and ensuring national unity. 

“Social cohesion and peaceful coexistence among all races and ethnic groups in DR Congo must be guaranteed,” CENCO members emphasize, and implore, “Through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Congo, may the Lord grant us to live in unity and peace.”

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.