DR Congo Bishops’ Conference Responds to Government Allegations

The Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo has countered accusations from Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba regarding alleged financial mismanagement. In response to statements made in a media interview, the Bishops’ Conference insists on its transparency and ongoing collaboration with the government on social projects. The controversy coincides with debates over potential constitutional changes that could extend President Tshisekedi’s term.

In recent statements, the General Secretariat of the Bishops’ Conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo expressed regret over accusations made by Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba regarding the Catholic Church’s alleged mismanagement of funds. During an interview with “Radio Top Congo,” Bemba suggested that the Church misappropriated a reported one million dollars allocated to each of the 47 dioceses for charitable initiatives. In response, Bishop Donatien Nshole requested evidence for such claims and emphasized the Church’s commitment to collaborating with the government on beneficial projects.

Bishop Nshole reiterated that only two distributions totaling $600,000 had been received since the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Holy See and the Congolese government, contradicting allegations of widespread financial malpractice. This exchange takes place amid ongoing debates about constitutional revisions that could allow President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi to pursue a third term, a move opposed by certain Church leaders. Furthermore, the Movement for the Liberation of Congo, Bemba’s political party, has voiced unwavering support for this constitutional amendment initiative.

The current tensions between the Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the government stem from recent accusations regarding the mismanagement of financial resources by the Church. These accusations were articulated by Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba during a media interview, leading to a robust response from the Bishops’ Conference of Congo. This conflict is rooted in political unrest connected to potential constitutional changes allowing the sitting president to seek a third term, which some local church leaders oppose. The Church maintains its commitment to social and economic projects despite these allegations, emphasizing its collaboration with the government.

The dispute between the Catholic Church and the Congolese government highlights the complex intersection of religion and politics in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Bishops’ Conference seeks to clarify its role and financial transparency in the face of serious allegations, urging the government to uphold its commitments under existing agreements. The ongoing constitutional debate further complicates these tensions, emphasizing the need for accountability on both sides.

Original Source: www.fides.org