The Episcopal Conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo has formally responded to accusations made by Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba regarding incitement of hatred and alleged mismanagement of funds. The church challenges these claims, emphasizes its partnership with the government in social projects, and reiterates its commitment to community welfare amidst political tensions surrounding proposed constitutional revisions.
In response to recent allegations by Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba, the Episcopal Conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo has expressed regret over what it describes as unfounded accusations against the Catholic Church. During an interview with “Radio Top Congo” on December 4, Bemba denounced perceived incitements of hatred against the government and suggested allegations of financial misconduct concerning the funding of charitable projects in the country. He claimed that each of the 47 dioceses allegedly received one million dollars from the President for development initiatives, insinuating mismanagement of these funds.
In a statement delivered by Bishop Donatien Nshole, the Secretary of the Episcopal Conference, the church firmly rejected these claims, challenging Bemba to provide tangible evidence for accusations of hatred within their messages. Furthermore, Bishop Nshole clarified the Catholic Church’s commitment to collaborative efforts with the government in social and economic projects for community welfare under a previous agreement, emphasizing that so far, only two disbursements totaling $600,000 had been made across the dioceses since the agreement was established in 2022.
The controversy arises amidst discussions regarding a constitutional revision permitting incumbent President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi to pursue a third term in office, polarizing opinions among local church leaders. Despite some opposition, Bemba’s political party has expressed unwavering support for this initiative. The ongoing tensions reflect the complex interplay between religion and politics in the region, as articulated through the church’s response and the government’s stance.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights the ongoing conflict between political figures and religious institutions in the country. The accusations made by Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba against the Catholic Church signify a deeper struggle over political and social influence, especially in the context of proposed constitutional changes that might extend the ruling presidency. The church’s commitment to societal development reflects its pivotal role within the community, despite facing criticism from government officials amidst political maneuvering.
In conclusion, the Episcopal Conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo has strongly rebutted the allegations by Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba regarding incitement of hatred and mismanagement of developmental funds. The church continues to advocate for collaboration with the government for the benefit of the local population while navigating the complexities of political discourse, especially concerning constitutional matters that affect governance and representation in the nation.
Original Source: www.fides.org
