KINSHASA, JUNE 21, 2016 (CISA) – Episcopal Conference of the Democratic Republic of the Congo plans to launch a campaign aimed at encouraging citizens to be more involved in affairs of the country.
The nationwide campaign for voter and civic education will see 10,000 trainers sent to 47 dioceses of Congo DR, the bishops said in a statement during their plenary session held in Kinshasa, reported Vatican Radio.
“In particular, the campaign wants young people and women to take charge of their destiny, especially in view of general elections due in November.
The Church has committed itself to train people not to be passive but to participate in building a nation guided by the rule of law,” said the bishops.
Earlier this month, the Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bukavu (comprising the Dioceses of Butembo-Beni, Goma, Kasongo, Kindu and Uvira) urged President Joseph Kabila to come clean and resolve the political impasse in the electoral process of the country.
The bishops expressed what they called “a cry of distress and protest” against violence in the East and the North-East side of the country.
They further denounced the “unacceptable” increase in the levels of violence as well as the existence of a “humanitarian tragedy” that threaten the stability of the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s highest court ruled in May this year that President Joseph Kabila could stay in power beyond the end of his two-term mandate if his government failed to hold an election due in November.
The government has said elections may be delayed due to budgetary and logistical obstacles.
