AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - In a message for 45th anniversary of independence Catholics Bishops say the people deserve to be told why the June 30 elections have been postponed

Thursday, 23 June 2005

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Kinshasa (Fides Service)- “Our conscience as Bishops and citizens urges us to defend the dignity of the human person created in the image of God. Our compatriots face a future of uncertainty, increasing insecurity and intolerable poverty” the Catholic Bishops of Democratic Congo (RDC) said in a message “Why be afraid? The future of Congo depends on its people” issued on the occasion of the anniversary of national independence. “Forty five years after our country obtained international sovereignty, we think our people do not deserve to continue to bear such a burden”. The Bishops refer to the long interim process started at the end of the war 1998-2003 which should have brought the country democracy and political and social stability.
In the message the Bishops mention some steps forward including the promulgation of an interim Constitution; swearing in of head of state and vice-presidents; formation of an interim government, a parliament, and commissions to support democracy, governors and deputy governors in the provinces; a process to integrate and restructure armed forces and police; adoption of a draft Constitution for the 3rd Republic. “The path ahead is still long but progress made shows it is possible to lead the RDC to democracy” say the Bishops noting “on the other hand the delay in announcing the amnesty which would relax socio-political tension and the official declaration of the end of the war between the former warring parties”.
Postponement of elections, set for 30 June, triggered more tension and the Bishops say: “The people must be told why the elections were not held in the period established by the Constitution. Responsibilities for the delay must be identified and suitable sanctions imposed. This vigorous attitude is necessary to restore the people’s confidence in view of a prolonged electoral campaign requested and obtained from parliament by the independent electoral commission”.
The Bishops say “lack of political will and a thirst for power” are causing this situation which “paralyses the move towards national unity, prevents transition institutions from functioning since they are used as loudspeakers for different political groups and a springboard for the electoral campaign. From our point of view the crisis of legitimacy in our country can only be solved with the installation of a state of law and a new institutional order emerging from the vote” the Bishops said in the message.
The message also laments difficulties encountered in the process of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Rehabilitation DDR of former combatants, growing insecurity, threats against the Church, difficult economic situation with serious social consequences.
“As servant of the nation the Church will intensify activity to form consciences and its civic and electoral education campaign to prepare the people for the elections” the Bishops say announcing also a programme of education to non violence and reconciliation. “May Our Lady intercede with God to bless our country” the Bishops conclude. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/672005 righe 45 parole 544)