AFRICA/DR CONGO - The Bishops denounce: "In eastern Congo three basic training camps for jihadists; but the UN observes without intervening"

Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - "A climate of genocide, a hearth of jihadist fundamentalism and a process of Balkanization". These are "the three greatest dangers" denounced by the Bishops of the Province of Bukavu (eastern Democratic Republic of Congo) in a message published at the end of their assembly, sent to Agenzia Fides. The Bishops point out that in their Ecclesiastical Province "many armed groups behave as predators against people left to themselves" and denounce the crimes against humanity committed by them (including mutilation of children and disembowelment of pregnant women).
Their base is made up of people of different nationalities who have settled in training camps called Medina, Canada and Parking Kaza Roho. Young Congolese have joined, deceived by unscrupulous recruiters who promise them scholarships for the Middle East, Europe and Canada. The international community merely observes with its drones (reference is made to the drones used by the UN Mission in Congo-MONUSCO)". "Does the situation have to deteriorate even more before the international community takes measures against jihadism?" Ask the Bishops, according to whom "a strategy of forced displacement of populations is taking place in order to gradually occupy the land and install outbreaks of religious fundamentalism and terrorist training bases".
"This happens in an economic mafia and profiteering politico-military context, fueled by large-scale looting of abundant mineral, forestry, and animal resources".
The Church also pays a high price. The document denounces the attempted kidnapping of Mgr. Placide Lubamba, Bishop of Kasongo, on 12 May in Lulingu-Shabunda. Besides the Bishops stress: "We are outraged for the silence regarding the three Assumptionist fathers abducted on October 19, 2012 (...). Are they alive or dead?".
"We have difficulty understanding the ambiguities, the prevarication and paradoxes of our government". The Bishops conclude asking the Congolese State and the international community to take action to protect local populations. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 26/05/2015)


Share: