DRC: After a Series of Tensions, the Catholic Church Accuses the Army of “Abuse of Power”
Since last week, tensions have been rising between the Catholic Church of Lubumbashi and the 22nd Military Region of the DRC.
The Cause: Two Events
First, the abduction of a seminarian last Friday by a group of soldiers. Then, the ban imposed by the commander of the 22nd region on celebrating the Feast of Christ the King within a military camp. The Catholic Church condemns what it calls an “abuse of power,” while the army claims there is no conflict between the two institutions.
For the Archbishop of Lubumbashi and President of CENCO, these events reveal a deeper issue: a land dispute between the Catholic Church and various political, police, and military actors. He accuses them of illegally seizing the land where the Saint-Paul major seminary is located, despite a court ruling in favor of the Church.
Monsignor Fulgence Muteba denounces acts of intimidation:
“There is a line that should not be crossed, as the Church and the State are two distinct and fully autonomous institutions. For me, it is very clear that there is a connection between the way this land dispute in Tshamalale is being handled and the illegal order given by General Eddy Kapend.”
Reconstruction of Events
An investigation into the abduction of the seminarian is ongoing. The military court has opened a case, and a reconstruction of events is scheduled for Wednesday.
The spokesperson for the 22nd military region assures that there is no tension between the Catholic Church and the army. Regarding the ban on Sunday Mass, he justified General Eddy Kapend’s decision on security grounds, insisting that the general was simply fulfilling his duty.
