Congo independence: Mgr Fulgence Muteba calls for national reconciliation to save the nation

During the commemoration of the 66th anniversary of the independence of the République démocratique du Congo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lubumbashi and head of the Conférence épiscopale nationale du Congo (CENCO), Mgr Fulgence Muteba Mugalu, issued a powerful plea for national unity, forgiveness, and social harmony.

Delivering his sermon at the Saints-Pierre-et-Paul Cathedral in Lubumbashi, the prelate cautioned that the country’s future remains in jeopardy unless a path toward lasting peace is firmly established. Speaking before religious leaders, the Catholic faithful, and various guests gathered for the national holiday, Mgr Fulgence Muteba encouraged all citizens to use this independence milestone as an opportunity to contemplate the nation’s trajectory.

A call for profound national reflection

The Archbishop emphasized the need for the country to earn international respect. He noted that survival depends on a consensus to establish enduring peace, mutual forgiveness, and a reinforced national bond rooted in the spirit of coexistence. He warned that failing to take this route could lead to the ultimate loss of the nation, serving as a solemn alert to all citizens.

Peace as the foundation for the future of the Congo

Against a backdrop of persistent security threats, political instability, and social divisions, the leader of the Congolese Catholic Church stressed the importance of a collective awakening. He argued that the greatness of the République démocratique du Congo can only be secured if its citizens prioritize dialogue and the pursuit of the common good over individual differences.

His message highlights the critical need to move past internal conflicts to build a national consensus capable of maintaining unity and protecting the state’s integrity. For the Archbishop, the current climate requires a shift in priorities toward reconciliation.

The central role of coexistence in the national project

Mgr Fulgence Muteba placed particular emphasis on the philosophy of “living together,” which he identifies as the essential pillar of national stability. In his view, no political, economic, or structural changes will achieve lasting success without a genuine commitment to social cohesion. This philosophy remains the bedrock upon which a prosperous and unified Congo must be built.