
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (CENCO) has issued a stark warning about the country’s current state. Following an extraordinary plenary session in Kinshasa on June 20, the bishops released a communiqué describing the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a “nation in peril,” highlighting severe challenges across multiple fronts.
![[Archives]<br />The bishops of the CENCO on 17/11/2019 at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. Photo Présidence RDC.<br />“></p><h2>Security crisis deepens in Eastern DRC</h2><p>At the forefront of the bishops’ concerns is the relentless deterioration of security in the eastern regions. Despite multiple peace agreements, violence persists, fueled by the proliferation of armed groups, civilian massacres, and a growing humanitarian crisis involving displaced populations. The bishops emphasize that these conditions not only threaten national cohesion but also undermine regional stability.</p><h2>Socio-economic struggles persist despite infrastructure gains</h2><p>While acknowledging some progress in infrastructure development, particularly in road construction, the bishops argue that these advancements have done little to improve the daily lives of most Congolese. Poverty remains widespread, fueling social frustrations and widening inequality gaps across the country.</p><h2>Political tensions spark fears of constitutional crisis</h2><p>The most pressing concern for the episcopate lies in the political arena, where tensions are rising over potential constitutional amendments. The bishops condemn the oppressive climate surrounding this debate, marked by intimidation, suppression of dissenting voices, and widespread fear. Such actions, they warn, could undermine the foundations of the republic and trigger severe consequences, including widespread unrest or even national fragmentation.</p><p>In response, CENCO has urged the President to strictly adhere to his constitutional oath and prioritize dialogue and legality to safeguard the country’s stability. The bishops stress that the path forward must be built on consensus and respect for democratic principles to avoid irreversible damage.</p><h2>A call for unity and responsible leadership</h2><p>Central to the bishops’ message is an impassioned plea to preserve the nation’s core values: peace, unity, and a shared future. In a time riddled with crises, they call on all political and social actors to act responsibly and prevent a slide into instability with potentially devastating consequences.</p><div class=](https://bamakonews.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/scraped-1781982295399-9vjj2z.jpg)







