Police Ensure Peaceful Religious Services Amid Political Tensions in DRC

Religious services in Kinshasa, DRC, took place peacefully on February 16, 2025, thanks to police intervention against threats from the ruling UDPS party. Only a single incident occurred at St. Theresa’s parish, where demonstrators were prevented from disrupting the mass. The tensions relate to political discussions involving rebel leadership and the churches’ efforts to promote coexistence.

Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), experienced generally peaceful religious services on February 16, despite earlier threats of violence from supporters of the ruling Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) party. While services in Catholic parishes and Protestant communities proceeded without incident, police intervened to prevent demonstrators from disrupting a mass at St. Theresa’s parish in Nd’jili.

In conclusion, the intervention of the Kinshasa police was crucial in ensuring the safety of religious services amidst threats from the UDPS party. The collaboration between the Catholic and Protestant churches seeks to foster peace and stability in the DRC, addressing the longstanding crisis in the eastern regions. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the country and the need for constructive dialogue.

Original Source: www.fides.org