Kinshasa, October 6th, , 2025 (CPA).- The National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) reiterated on Monday its call to those who love and desire peace for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and are involved in resolving its multiple crises to find political solutions for the country, according to a press release. ‘We reiterate our call to those who love and care for peace in the DRC and are involved in resolving its multiple crises to seek political solutions,’ CENCO emphasised in its statement on measures relating to the application of the death penalty, entitled: ‘God alone is the author of life and he alone has legitimate authority over its beginning and end’.
According to the source, this action by the bishops of the DRC was motivated by ‘concerns raised by the High Military Court’s ruling and the urgent need to strengthen national cohesion.’ CENCO said it recalled that on 22 March 2024, following the Ministry of Justice’s note on the lifting of the moratorium on the execution of the death penalty, it had called for a commitment to the defense of life and the abolition of the death penalty in the DRC. ‘Therefore, the moratorium should naturally lead to the abolition and not the resumption of an inhumane measure which, in addition to being a failure for any community worthy of the name, violates the dignity of human beings created in the image of God,’ noted CENCO in its statement.
The organization cited by the source also pointed out that the DRC Constitution, which enshrines the sanctity of human life, also counts it among the fundamental rights that cannot be infringed upon under any circumstances. ‘The execution of the death penalty is a violation of the right to life defended by the Church, based on the divine law: “Thou shalt not kill” (Ex. 20:13),’ the source said.
A call for inclusive dialogue to restore peace
The bishops, members of CENCO, in session.
CENCO also reiterated its belief in inclusive dialogue to restore peace throughout the country. ‘For our part, in the context of war and insecurity in our country, we remain convinced that inclusive dialogue remains the best way to address the root causes of these crises and to restore unity, peace, good coexistence and territorial integrity in our country,’ CENCO said in the document.,‘This inclusive dialogue is becoming increasingly urgent in view of the deadlock in the crisis and its consequences for the Congolese population,’ the statement said.
Faced with conflicts that are causing profound suffering to innocent populations, CENCO stressed the need to prioritise the promotion of sustainable solutions to restore