CONGOLESE PEOPLE, WAKE UP FROM YOUR SLEEP!
(cf. Rom 13:11)
Message from the 60th Plenary Assembly of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO)
Preamble
1. We, Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops, members of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), with the other faithful of the Church-Family of God in the DR Congo, celebrated with joy and enthusiasm, in Lubumbashi from June 4 to 11, 2023, the 3rd National Eucharistic Congress around the theme "Eucharist and Family". At the end of this great event of faith, we gathered in Ordinary Plenary Assembly from June 19 to 22, 2023. Moved by concern for the Congolese people for whom we have pastoral care, we focused, among other things, on the socio-pastoral situation prevailing in our country.
2. It is worth recalling that "Since its independence on June 30, 1960, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been confronted with recurring political crises, one of the fundamental causes of which is the challenge to the legitimacy of the Institutions and their leaders" (Constitution, Explanatory Memorandum, §1). Having suffered too much and being the victim of so many wars imposed upon it, the Congolese people want peace, justice and thus work for the progress of their country.
3. We are convinced that the stability of our country and the well-being of its population depend in particular on free, inclusive, transparent, and peaceful elections, at all levels.
I. FINDINGS
1. Security situation
4. We fully appreciate the diplomatic, political and military initiatives of the Congolese Government to restore peace throughout our country. We particularly salute the bravery and patriotism of our Armed Forces, despite the difficult working conditions.
5. However, the persistence and worsening of insecurity, especially in the eastern part of our country, as well as the proliferation of armed groups, are of great concern to us. With the resurgence of the M23, supported by Rwanda, part of the national territory has been beyond the control of our armed forces for over a year.
6. In the same vein, in the western part of our country, we are witnessing the emergence and expansion of the Mobondo militia, which is spreading terror right up to the gates of Kinshasa, the capital. Added to this, in urban areas, is the activism of the "UDPS Special Brigade, Force for Progress" (BSU), operating as a militia, visibly maintained, which sometimes collaborates with the police to hunt down political opponents and other peaceful citizens who are critical of the country's current governance.
7. Unfortunately, our recommendations regarding the reconsideration of the state of siege, the reduction of the standard of living of the Institutions to give more resources to our Armed Forces, and the strengthening of national cohesion, have not been taken into account cf. The hour is grave. Our Country is in danger! [cf. Neh 2,17). Declaration of the Extraordinary Plenary Assembly of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) on the security situation in the country, November 9, 2022, n°8-9].
2. The electoral process
8. Regarding the electoral process, CENCO recognizes the efforts of the Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), both in the publication of the electoral calendar and in the constitution of the electoral register, within shorter timeframes than in past electoral cycles.
9. However, these advances are not sufficient for the organization of truly credible elections, given the following concerns:
- the lack of a tripartite consultation framework (Majority, Opposition, Civil
