Congo independence: bishop warns of losing nation without unity

As the Democratic Republic of the Congo marks 66 years since gaining independence, Archbishop Fulgence Muteba of Lubumbashi has issued a powerful warning about the nation’s future. Speaking to congregants at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, the Catholic leader emphasized that without genuine reconciliation and forgiveness among citizens, the country risks losing everything.

Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu of Lubumbashi, who also serves as president of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), delivered a solemn homily that called for urgent national healing.

a call to collective responsibility

In his address, Mgr Muteba highlighted the critical importance of unity, warning that deepening divisions could lead to irreversible consequences. “We must become a nation that is both respected and respectable,” he stated. “The path forward demands consensus, forgiveness, and reconciliation based on our shared philosophy of coexistence.”

The prelate made it clear that without these fundamental elements, the country faces a dangerous trajectory. “If we fail to embrace this path, we risk losing our nation entirely. We are issuing this warning now,” he declared.

peace as the foundation for progress

With ongoing security challenges and political tensions plaguing the region, the Archbishop stressed that lasting peace is the only viable foundation for development. He urged all Congolese to prioritize dialogue over confrontation and to work toward the common good rather than individual or factional interests.

Mgr Muteba cautioned that no political, economic, or institutional reforms could succeed without a commitment to peaceful coexistence. “The philosophy of living together must be the cornerstone of our national cohesion,” he explained. “No reform will yield lasting results unless it is built on this principle.”

a nation at a crossroads

The Archbishop’s message comes at a pivotal moment for the DRC, as citizens reflect on 66 years of independence amid ongoing struggles. His call for reconciliation serves as both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity for the country’s survival and prosperity.