During the celebration of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 66th independence anniversary, Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu, the metropolitan archbishop of Lubumbashi and head of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), delivered a powerful appeal for national reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity.
In his homily on Tuesday at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Lubumbashi, the prelate cautioned that the country’s future is at stake if it does not resolutely embrace the path of sustainable peace. Addressing religious leaders, Catholic faithful, and guests at the national day ceremony, Archbishop Muteba urged Congolese to use the anniversary as a moment for deep reflection on the nation’s destiny.
“We must become a country that is respectable and respected. To overcome our challenges, we need a consensus to build lasting peace. We must forgive one another, reconcile, and strengthen our national cohesion based on the philosophy of living together. If we do not follow this path, the risk of losing this country is very high. We have been warned,” declared the CENCO president.
Peace as a prerequisite for Congo’s future
Amid ongoing security threats, political tensions, and social divisions, the leader of the Congolese Catholic Church stressed the need for a collective awakening. He argued that the greatness of the DRC can only be assured if its citizens prioritize dialogue, mutual forgiveness, and the relentless pursuit of the common good.
His message highlighted the urgency of overcoming divisions to forge a national consensus that can consolidate lasting peace and safeguard the country’s unity.
Living together as the cornerstone of the national project
Archbishop Muteba placed particular emphasis on the philosophy of living together, which he described as the indispensable foundation for national cohesion. In his view, no political, economic, or institutional reform can yield durable results without a genuine commitment to living together.
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