Churches in the Congolese capital have become targets of organized crime. Meeting in Presbyteral Council, the clergy of the Archdiocese of Kinshasa broke their silence on June 10, 2026, to denounce an intolerable spiral of violence. The priests expressed their deep concern about targeted and increasingly militarized attacks.
The human toll reported by the clergy is particularly heavy. They mourn the tragic death of the sentry at Saint Francis de Sales parish. Furthermore, several priests, monks, nuns, and seminarians have suffered serious attacks. Recently, a vicar was seriously injured during a nighttime assault at Saint Theophilus Church in Kimbanseke. The assailants operate in armed groups, sometimes wearing uniforms similar to those of the police or the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo).
Beyond the physical violence, religious heritage is subjected to profound desecration and vandalism. Sacristies are looted and archives destroyed without any scruples. The Church denounces the blatant indifference and total impunity surrounding these criminal acts. It reiterates that these vandalized structures work daily for health, education, and social cohesion.
Faced with this danger, the bishops are demanding immediate action from the security authorities. The clergy are calling for transparent investigations to punish the perpetrators and those who ordered the attacks. The priests are also requesting strengthened collaboration on the ground between law enforcement and local officials. Finally, they are urging all parish communities to exercise maximum vigilance.
Photo: Cardinal Ambongo at the bedside of the vicar who was attacked at the Saint-Théophile parish in Kimbanseke.
A fitting adage : When the sacred altar is desecrated, the sanctuary of public peace collapses; security remains the primary duty of those who govern.
TMNews@400626
