Monsignor Donatien Nshole was summoned by the Congolese government after raising concerns over discrimination against Swahili speakers in the wake of the M23 rebels’ actions in Bukavu. CENCO condemned rising violence based on linguistic identity and emphasized the need for government protection of all citizens. Responses to the summons highlight tensions in handling complaints against discrimination and the broader implications for the Social Pact for Peace initiated by religious leaders.
Monsignor Donatien Nshole, the secretary general of the Bishops’ Conference of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (CENCO), faced governmental scrutiny after he highlighted discrimination against Swahili speakers due to the M23 rebels’ takeover of Bukavu. On March 6, he met with Congolese Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani to discuss the bishops’ conference’s concerns regarding alleged discrimination, hatred, and violence against citizens stemming from their origin or language.
During the meeting, Monsignor Nshole noted that they exchanged valuable insights on the nation’s political crisis and offered mutual recommendations for improvement. The meeting followed CENCO’s February 22 statement, warning against the stigmatization of Swahili speakers, especially after President Félix Tshisekedi’s remarks at a security conference criticizing former President Joseph Kabila, which sparked hostility towards Kabila’s ethnic group.
CENCO warned that violence linked to linguistic identity is growing, particularly affecting those from the eastern regions of North and South Kivu. The bishops’ conference condemned the government’s failure to protect its citizens and called for urgent measures to maintain social harmony. In light of this, Minister Shabani requested evidence from Monsignor Nshole to support CENCO’s claims, emphasizing the need for verified information before public disclosures can be made.
The government downplayed these incidents as isolated cases and insisted on addressing such complaints directly rather than permitting public outrage, which could threaten stability. Political sociologist Prof. Tony Kanyinda supported the government’s engagement with CENCO, citing the importance of addressing such grievances through appropriate channels.
Meanwhile, the summons elicited mixed reactions; some perceive it as an attempt to intimidate Monsignor Nshole, particularly given his role in the Social Pact for Peace and Coexistence, which advocates dialogue with the M23 rebels. The government’s stance against negotiations with the rebels complicates the scenario, as recent meetings between church leaders and political figures aim to foster communication. Fighting continues to escalate in North Kivu, with recent clashes leading to civilian casualties and migration issues as M23 rebels assert control in the region.
In summary, the recent summoning of Monsignor Donatien Nshole underscores the contentious atmosphere in the Democratic Republic of the Congo regarding issues of linguistic identity and political oppression. The situation reflects broader societal tensions, as the bishops’ conference raises alarms about discrimination against Swahili speakers while the government calls for evidence to substantiate these claims. As violence escalates in the eastern provinces, the role of religious institutions in promoting dialogue remains critical yet precarious amidst governmental scrutiny.
Original Source: international.la-croix.com
