On the occasion of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s 66th independence anniversary, Mgr Fulgence Muteba Mugalu, the metropolitan archbishop of Lubumbashi and president of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO), delivered a powerful plea for national reconciliation, genuine forgiveness, and enhanced cohesion across the nation.

During his homily on Tuesday at the Saints-Pierre-et-Paul Cathedral in Lubumbashi, the prelate issued a stark warning: the country risks jeopardizing its future if it fails to decisively embrace the path toward lasting peace.

Addressing an assembly of religious leaders, Catholic faithful, and numerous guests gathered to commemorate the national holiday, Mgr Fulgence Muteba urged all Congolese citizens to transform this independence anniversary into a profound moment of reflection on the nation’s destiny.

« We must evolve into a respectable and respected nation. To overcome our challenges, we need a consensus to forge enduring peace; we must forgive each other, reconcile, and strengthen our national cohesion based on the philosophy of ‘living together.’ Should we fail to follow this path, the risk of ultimately losing our country is immense. Consider yourselves warned, » declared the CENCO president.

Peace: a prerequisite for Congo’s future

Amidst a backdrop of persistent security challenges, political tensions, and societal divisions, the head of the Congolese Catholic Church underscored the imperative for a collective awakening. He firmly believes that the DRC’s prosperity can only be secured if its people prioritize dialogue, mutual forgiveness, and the relentless pursuit of the common good.

His message highlights the urgent need to transcend existing divisions, thereby building a national consensus capable of solidifying lasting peace and safeguarding the country’s unity.

The ‘living together’ philosophy at the heart of the national vision

Mgr Fulgence Muteba particularly emphasized the philosophy of ‘living together’ (vivre-ensemble), which he considers the indispensable bedrock of national cohesion. According to him, no political, economic, or institutional reform can yield sustainable results without this fundamental principle of shared existence.