Congo’s bishops call for peaceful elections
October 17, 2011
As the Democratic Republic of the Congo--the site of the world’s deadliest conflict since World War II--prepares for November 28 elections, the nations’ bishops are calling for calm.
“The bishops of Congo would like all candidates to keep the peace and when the result is known, they have to respect it without making war,” said Archbishop Marcel Utembi of Kisangani. “Our wish is that the winner will be a good leader; the one who will respect the constitution, respect his duty to society, take office peacefully and give people the opportunity to work. Through this we can witness the development of our country.”
An estimated 5.4 million people perished in the decade following the launch of the Second Congo War in 1998.
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Further information:
- Podcast: Archbishop Marcel Utembi on DR Congo Elections (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales)
- Congolese bishops call for peaceful elections (Vatican Radio)
- More than 18,000 vie for Congo's 500-seat parliament (Reuters)
- Second Congo War (Wikipedia)
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