News by email Donate

Suggestions

President-Kabila-main_article_image.jpg
CC
World News

Bishops urge DRC president to stand down to avoid "chaos"

Joseph Kabila (pictured), who has led the African country since 2001, is thought to want a change in the constitution to enable him to stand for a third term in office.

Fr Léonard Santedi, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Conference in the DRC, said: "It is imperative that we respect the constitution, particularly regarding the number and duration of mandates of the president of the Republic."

There is concern such a constitutional change could delay elections scheduled for November this year, resulting in an escalation in political violence.

CC

Father Santedi added: "Blocking the electoral process creates a worrying situation which risks plunging the country into chaos.

"The country is facing a deteriorating socio-economic and security situation, particularly in areas like eastern DRC. At this important moment, we urge political leaders to take action to ensure that violence and bloodshed are averted.

"We call on the international community to support the DRC in finding a lasting solution to the political situation, to back democratic electoral process, and support investigations into the recent massacres of communities in Beni and in the North Kivu region".

Despite it's vast mineral wealth the DRC is considered one of the world's poorest countries and it has been ravaged by a civil war spanning more than a decade, in which more than four million people have lost their lives.

Fergus Conmee, Head of Africa Programmes at the Catholic aid agency CAFOD, said: "The situation in the DRC is extremely precarious and the risk of political violence is extremely high.

"We support the Bishops' urgent call for peace and democracy at this time."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate