MISNA
Congo D.R.
02.25.00
Monsignor Emmanuel Kataliko, Archbishop of Bukavu, is still relegated to Butembo by orders of authorities of the RCD (Congolese Rally for Democracy), impeding his return to his archdiocese. The Church of Bukavu, through the Consultative Board, launched a cry of alert. The message denounces the growing tension and the threat of an outbreak of violence once again at the cost of the defenceless population, which only wants peace. 'Our sensation is that the situation in South-Kivu is dangerously degenerating and we fear the worst'. The message also reveals that no positive steps have been taken towards the cessation of the conflict, despite the signing of the Lusaka accords in 1999. The population in fact denounced an increase in foreign troops in South-Kivu. The most serious factor however remains the interpretation given by authorities to the legitimate protests of the people, using terms such as 'instigation of ethnic hatred' and 'preparations for another genocide'. 'The RCD even tendentiously interpreted the Christmas message of Archbishop Kataliko - underlined the Board - accusing him of preparing a bloodbath because of the words 'until the flow of blood' taken from the following paragraph: We will stand by the oppressed with courage, spirit and uncontrollable faith, if necessary until 'the flow of blood', as so many priests, nuns and Christians before us. The Gospel implores you to refuse the call of arms and violence and abandon the conflict. We will fight for freedom through our sufferance and prayers and we will guide our oppressors towards reason and interior freedom'. The Church of Bukavu fears an imminent outbreak of violence, but is sure that: 'the population will not recognise the language and politics of the RCD and strongly fears a bloodbath'. For this reason, the Church launches an appeal for an intervention by the international community to ensure the security of the population, with the deployment of a task force. It is important to remember that the Consultative Board is currently acting on behalf of Archbishop Kataliko.