Catholic bishops in the Democratic Republic of Congo are embroiled in a wrangle with the country's military, after troops stormed the archbishop’s residence and the cathedral in the Archdiocese of Lubumbashi.
The heavily armed contingent had entered Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu's residence and searched the Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral. The country’s bishops through the national conference have strongly condemned the act, while expressing their closeness to the prelate.
“We know how to measure the seriousness of the acts perpetrated by the heavily armed men claiming to be from the Republican Guard,” said Archbishop Marcel Utembi Tapa, the president of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo.
“This constitutes a flagrant violation of the ‘Framework of Agreement’ between the Holy See and DR Congo on matters of common interest.”
The agreement, signed on 17 June 2013, mandates the DRC to protect places of worship, including churches, chapels, oratories, cemeteries and their dependencies.
Tapa said the raid had stigmatised and traumatised Catholics, but had further angered the bishops since no sufficient explanation had been given.
“It is deplorable that these actions occur barely three weeks after the visit of Pope Francis to DR Congo,” said Tapa.
Muteba said the storming of his residence and the place of worship contradicted basic human rights and the freedom of religion.
“I firmly demand clear answers to all the questions and concerns raised by the presence of the armed squadron at my residence and at the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral,” said Muteba in a statement on 10 March.
The archbishop is asking for an investigation whose outcome should be made public, an assurance on his safety and that of his staff, and the naming of sponsors and the real meaning of the incursion, in a list of demands.
“I forgive these troops. However, I invite them to take advantage of this time of Lent to convert,” he said.
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