DR Congo in “state of emergency,” Cardinal Ambongo Warns, Calls for Vigilance against Political Rhetoric

According to the Cardinal, the population continues to endure widespread hardship while political discourse remains disconnected from the realities people face every day.

“Politicians, when they come to us, talk about less important things. Faced with the misery of the population, the solution they offer us is to change the Constitution. And we applaud them. This is a new form of slavery,” the Congolese member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) said.

Cardinal Ambongo faulted what he described as political rhetoric designed to secure electoral support or advance particular interests instead of responding to the country’s urgent social and economic challenges.

He warned that many politicians engage with citizens primarily during election periods, seeking votes rather than offering lasting solutions to the problems affecting the nation.

The Cardinal’s remarks have sparked public debate in the DRC, with many Congolese discussing his assessment of the country’s political and social situation.

A day later, during a Mass of Thanksgiving for Bishop Joseph-Bernard Likolo Bokal’Etumba of Lisala Diocese, celebrated on Monday, July 6, Cardinal Ambongo renewed his appeal for discernment, urging Catholics not to be misled by political rhetoric.

Delivering his homily in Lingala, he said some political actors invoke the name of the Congolese people while pursuing their own personal or political interests.

“If there is anyone who truly loves this country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is us, your bishop-fathers,” the Cardinal said.

He explained that the Catholic Church’s mission is not driven by political ambition but by a commitment to defending the common good and promoting the dignity of every person.

According to Cardinal Ambongo, the Church has a responsibility to speak out whenever the well-being of the population is threatened, regardless of political sensitivities.