![[Archives]<br /> Les évêques de la CENCO le 17/11/2019 au Stade des Martyrs de Kinshasa. Photo Présidence RDC.<br />“></p><p><strong>The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) issued an unequivocal warning on Saturday, June 20, regarding the country’s current state. In a statement released in Kinshasa following an extraordinary plenary assembly, Catholic bishops painted a troubling picture of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s socio-economic, security, and political realities, describing it as a “nation in peril.”</strong></p><p>Top among CENCO’s concerns is the ongoing deterioration of security in the eastern part of the country. Despite the signing of various peace agreements, violence continues unabated. The bishops highlighted the proliferation of armed groups, civilian massacres, and the humanitarian tragedy of displaced populations.</p><p>For the Congolese episcopate, the assessment is alarming: the situation remains dire, threatening not only regional stability but also national cohesion.</p><p>On the socio-economic front, CENCO acknowledged some progress, particularly in infrastructure and road improvements. However, the bishops stressed that these efforts remain largely insufficient to improve the living conditions of the majority of Congolese citizens.</p><p>They emphasized that precariousness continues to be the daily reality for a large portion of the population, exacerbating social frustrations and deepening inequalities.</p><p><strong>Deep concerns over the political situation</strong></p><p>It is on the political front that the bishops expressed their greatest anxiety. They denounced rising tensions surrounding a potential constitutional amendment project.</p><p>According to CENCO, this debate is unfolding in a heavy atmosphere marked by fear, pressure, and repression of dissenting voices. The situation is seen as worrying because it could undermine the foundations of the republican pact.</p><p>The bishops warned against any attempt to force through changes. “The consequences could be severe,” they cautioned, citing risks of widespread unrest or even national fragmentation.</p><p>Faced with these challenges, CENCO called on the President of the Republic to strictly uphold his constitutional oath. They urged him to prioritize dialogue and legality to preserve the country’s stability.</p><p><strong>Preserving the essentials: peace, unity, and the future</strong></p><p>At the heart of CENCO’s message is a strong appeal to safeguard the nation’s fundamental pillars: peace, unity, and the future of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.</p><p>In a context marked by multiple crises, the bishops urged all political and social actors to act responsibly to avoid a slide with potentially irreversible consequences.</p></div><footer class=](https://ouagainfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/scraped-1781982535477-eshwk6.jpg)
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