Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bukavu (Agenzia Fides) – October 29 marks the 13th anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Christophe Munzihirwa, then Archbishop of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Archbishop Munzihirwa had gained international attention on the tragedy of the refugees coming in from nearby Rwanda, who came in great numbers to the eastern part of Congo (then called Zaire). For two years, in 1995 and 1996, Archbishop Munzihirwa launched various appeals to promote peace in the Great Lakes Region. He gained attention worldwide on the tragedy taking place as the result of the disorganized entrance of the refugees in the eastern part of the country, which was already overpopulated. He proposed a decent solution in conformation with international law. He was killed on October 29, 1996 by soldiers of the AFDL, on his way back to the Cathedral, after having spent the entire day comforting refugees and victims of violence.
“Thirteen years later, what is left of this prophetic message from this fearless and clairvoyant Pastor?” says Fr. Antonio Trettel, Xavierian Missionary who has been working in Bukavu for years and sent Agenzia Fides some of his reflections on the anniversary of the Archbishop's death.
“I may seem very pessimistic, but if I want to be sincere, I should say: nothing...or almost nothing,” the missionary says. “Judging from appearances, there haven't been many truly positive changes in Bukavu nor in the surrounding area, nor in the country in general. On the contrary, the situation is increasingly chaotic and worsening. Only in the sense of the war being waged, has there been a certain relative calm, however peace has not come! In fact, insecurity, in the city as well, is still widespread. And in the forests and mountains there are still fanatic faction groups that continue to spread terror, violence, death, with sudden attacks, sacking, victims, and dramatic destructions of entire villages. It is the mix of former rebels and bandits, called the 'regular army,' with the theoretical plan of going after these groups that, instead, contribute to spreading even more terror, insecurity, violence, and death. On both an international and national political level, therefore, especially in reference to Rwanda, the situation is still unclear, burdensome, and threatening. Faced with official declarations that are contradictory to the facts and surprising changes taking places, the people are still very confused. They do not really understand what the authentic objectives of the political leaders (which, at least in Congo were democratically elected 3 years ago, with a certain enthusiasm and great hope among the people) are...”
Fr. Trettel, however, highlights that, following the example of Archbishop Munzihirwa, we cannot abandon Gospel hope. “Certainly the grain is still 'dying' in the earth, even though we do not see it. And it will eventually bear fruit, sooner or later, yielding an abundant golden harvest of justice and fraternity (cf Jn 4:35), even in this immense land that is our Congo, full of beauty and tragedy! Yes, I continue to believe in the dream of Munzihirwa, based on the “hope against all hope,” that has to come about one day, someway or another, in spite of everything (...in spite of the reprisals this week and the attacks 'aimed at' Catholic parishes, communities, and institutions in our Diocese of Bukavu, see Fides 9/10/2009).” In the Synod of Bishops, as well, there have also been further declarations and messages of solidarity regarding the situation in Kivu. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 19/10/2009)
