Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) -“Now the elections are over the most urgent problem is national reconciliation and respect for democratic opposition” the Catholic Bishops of Congo said in an appeal launched today as the newly elected president Kabila takes office.
In a message to the nation issued at the end of a special Plenary Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference the prelates call for “reconciliation among people and leaders, among the leaders themselves and the people themselves”. They say they expect the new government to “make a gesture of reconciliation by releasing all political prisoners, start investigations to find missing people and return them to their families”.
The Bishops congratulate the new head of state reaffirming the local Church’s commitment to continue to make its contribution to the country through formation of consciences and civic education, as well as carrying on its pastoral duties.
The Bishops thank the defeated candidate for accepting the results, the independent electoral commission, the national and international security forces for guaranteeing a peaceful vote and the people: “Once again the people of Congo demonstrated dignity and political maturity voting in a calm and orderly manner and in great numbers despite torrential rain in many parts of the country”.
For the future the Bishops call on institutions to tackle the problem of illiteracy, to promote respect for human rights, to build roads and other infrastructures to connect remote and impervious parts of the country, to complete the constitution of a unified army and open Congo to Africa and the world.
The Bishops ask the international community to start an international fund for the reconstruction of Congo as a form of reparation for damage suffered in years of wars imposed from abroad.
After recalling the millions of Congolese killed in wars in the past 10 years, the Bishops invoke the intercession of Blessed Marie Clementine Anuarite that “all wars and rebellions in Congo may stop. We entrust our country to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Congo and Our Lady of Hope”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 6/12/2006 righe 44 parole 392)
