In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Catholics (Cenco) and Protestants (ECC) are still opposed to Denis Kadima’s candidacy for Ceni’s presidency. The other denominations still support this candidacy. Representatives of Cenco and the ECC want to meet with President Tshisekedi to change the situation.
as reported from Kinshasa, Patient Ligodi
The request for an audience was signed by Pastor André Bokundoa-Bo-Likabe, President of the Church of Christ in the Congo, and Colonel Marcel Utembi, President of the Congolese Bishops’ Conference (Cenco). The two religious leaders say they want to meet Felix Tshisekedi as soon as possible, given “the sensitive context in which the designation of delegates of religious communities to Ceni takes place”.
“There are issues that can only be resolved by him” Catholics and Protestants reject Denis Kadima’s candidacy. They remember the Ronsard Malonda case in July 2020. As today, the minority religions in the country supported this candidate who was considered biased by the two majority religions. Prior to the demonstrations in several cities in the country, Félix Tshisekedi had won the target for Cenco and ECC.
“We are seeking consensus. For reasons of national cohesion and arbitration, we took it. There are issues that can only be resolved by him as a guarantor of a smooth operation of institutions and national unity, says Eric Nsenga, spokesman for Christ Church in Congo, to RFI.
At the same time, they plan to meet with the six other religious communities at the end of this week in a new plenary session. For their part, the six do not seem worried about this approach. They met on Wednesday, August 19, and plan to submit their report to the National Assembly on Thursday.
The two extra days are granted by Christophe Mboso Nkodia, President of the National Assembly, to religious communities to agree that their candidacy for the post of President of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) expires on Thursday, August 19th.
.
