Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bukavu (Fides Service) - Leading government members continue to visit Bukavu the main town in South Kivu, in the east of Democratic Congo. Last week vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo spent the morning in Bukavu “he was obviously on an electoral tour” local sources told Fides. “In fact flanked by a representative of the Pygmy peoples Bemba gave a speech in which he said he was not a cannibal and that he was committed to promoting peace”. Some months ago the Movement for the Liberation of Congo, MLC, of which Bemba is the leader, was accused of acts of cannibalism against Twa ethnic Pygmies. In recent weeks the witnesses withdrew their accusations. “Boosted by this success, Bemba is now trying to win votes for his candidature for Presidency” local sources told Fides. “His visit to Bukavu was part of his electoral plan rather than a demonstration of the central government’s concern for the provinces of eastern Congo for years under the control of rebel troops. This was clear as Bemba distributed money, food and clothing, to the local people”.
Since a peace agreement in 2003 Democratic Congo has an interim government which includes representatives of the rebel groups which control the eastern part of the country. When the interim period ends next year 2005 there will be elections for president and parliament.
The war 1998-2003 involved troops from neighbouring Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. On 26 October Uganda, Rwanda and Democrat Congo signed an agreement to respect frontiers and fight guerrilla movements in the area. “Too many agreements have been signed and not respected” the sources told Fides. “Our people want facts and benefits for the people”.
The Church in Bukavu paid a high tribute of blood in Congo’s two wars: 1996-97 (which led to the fall of Mobutu and the installation of a new regime which changed the country’s name from Zaire to Democratic Republic of Congo) and in 1998-2003. Martyrs included the late Archbishop of Bukavu Christophe Munzihirwa, killed on 29 October eight years ago. “The assassinated Archbishop was a Jesuit and to commemorate him the Jesuits in Congo have organised a Conference with testimony on his work and person” the local sources told Fides. Also tomorrow, 29 October processions from every parish will converge on Bukavu cathedral for solemn celebration of a Mass of commemoration. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 28/10/2004 righe 38 parole 493)
