It is a bold move, and one that might just be working: the Catholic Church has stepped firmly into the political arena in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and it is making waves. Over the past year, the country has sunk deeper into a political crisis, and the religious institution has gradually emerged as a force to be reckoned with, capable of harnessing its spiritual influence to mobilise people and posing a serious threat to President Joseph Kabila’s authority — so much so that the president was forced to hold his first press conference in five years last Friday. "We have to have elections as scheduled," Kabila assured the gathered journalists, referring to the deadline of December 23 this year that was announced in November. His surprise public appearance was clearly (though not officially) in reaction to the international outcry that followed the violent repression of demonstrations organised by a Catholic group and supported by the church on January 21. At least seven people ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.