As the Democratic Republic of the Congo commemorated 66 years of independence, the metropolitan archbishop of Lubumbashi and head of the national bishops’ conference (CENCO), Mgr Fulgence Muteba Mugalu, issued a passionate call for reconciliation, forgiveness, and national unity.
Delivering his homily at Saints-Pierre-et-Paul cathedral in Lubumbashi, the prelate warned that the country could jeopardize its own future if it does not firmly embrace the path to lasting peace. He urged religious leaders, Catholic worshippers, and guests gathered for the national day to treat the anniversary as a moment for deep reflection on the nation’s destiny.
“We need to become a country that is respectable and respected. To move forward, we must reach a consensus to build lasting peace; we must forgive one another, reconcile, and strengthen our national cohesion based on the philosophy of living together. If we do not take this route, the risk of losing this country is great. We have been warned,” declared the CENCO president.
Peace as a prerequisite for Congo’s future
Amid ongoing security challenges, political tensions, and social divisions, the leader of the Congolese Catholic Church stressed the need for a collective awakening. He said that the DRC’s greatness can only be secured if its citizens prioritise dialogue, mutual forgiveness, and the constant pursuit of the common good.
His message highlighted the urgency of overcoming divisions to forge a national consensus that can consolidate a durable peace and preserve the unity of the country.
Living together at the heart of the national project
Mgr Fulgence Muteba placed special emphasis on the philosophy of living together, which he considers the essential foundation for national cohesion. Without it, he argued, no political, economic, or institutional reforms will yield lasting results.
